53 Must Know Scottish Words & Their Meanings
Unsplash: micheile henderson
What comes to mind when you think of Scotland? Because if you ask me that question, my answer would be Scottish architecture, the lush landscape, Scottish food, Nessie, and Scottish slang. I’m not sure if my thoughts would be in that same order but those things do come to mind right away. The Scottish architecture because something about it reminds me of a Brontë novel. The lush landscape because something about nature always makes me feel refreshed and in awe. Scottish food because I just love food and I’d love a hearty, delicious Scottish meal. The one and only Nessie because something about her fascinates me. And Scottish slang because many locals use them and you even hear these common phrases when watching Scottish shows. On the other hand, knowing a handful of Scottish slang is a great way to enhance your vocabulary, especially if you’re interested in visiting Scotland one day. Anyway, instead of babbling some more, here’s a short wordlist of Scottish slang words and their meanings to add to your English glossary.
- geks: glasses
- get tae: go away
- ah ken: I know
- aye: yes
- baffies: slippers
- da: father
- maw: ma
- papa: grandfather
- patter: banter
- scran: food
- piece: sandwich
- gallus: cheeky, flashy
- kip: a nap
- minted: rich
- coorie: to cuddle in the cold
- shoogly: wobbly
- noo: now
- tattie: potato
- bonnie: pretty
- wheesht: be quiet
- the morn’s morn: tomorrow
- kirk: church
- doo: a pigeon
- claes: clothes
- shoogly: wobbly
- choon: song
- breeks: trousers
- Embra: Edinburgh
- ftibaa: football (soccer)
- hackit: ugly
- oxters: armpits
- laddie: a young man
- lassie: a young woman
- dug: a dog
- coo: cow
- cludgie: toilet
- manky: dirty
- gan: go
- tassie: cup
- greet: to cry
- goon: idiot
- baltic: freezing cold
- bahookie: bum, butt
- peely wally: to look sick
- stoor: dust
- tube: a fool
- troosers: trousers
- auld: old
- cauld: cold
- dunno: I don’t know
- wabbit: tired
- bez: beer
- lavvy: short for lavatory, toilet