What is scottish slang?

Scottish Slang: A Wee Guide

Scottish slang, also known as Scots, is a vibrant and colourful language with a rich history. While some phrases are relatively common and understood throughout the UK, many are unique to Scotland and can be confusing for newcomers. Here's a brief introduction:

  • General Terms: Many words derive from Gaelic, Norse, and other influences. A key difference lies in pronunciation, with dropped 'g's and rolled 'r's being common. Scots also features unique grammatical structures and vocabulary. A common expression is "wee", meaning small.

  • Greetings and General Phrases: Instead of "hello," you might hear "how's it going" or "how's it hingin"? When taking your leave, you could say "cheerio", or "see you later".

  • Common Words: Some frequent words include "braw" (good, excellent), "dreich" (dreary, miserable weather), "glaikit" (stupid or foolish), "outwith" (outside of).

  • Terms of Endearment: Scots is full of affectionate terms, such as "hen" (woman, often used in Glasgow), "lass" (girl), "lad" (boy), and "wee yin" (small one).

  • Descriptive Language: Scots excels at colourful descriptions. For example, someone clumsy might be called "clumsy", while someone talkative could be "gabshite".

  • Regional Variations: It's important to remember that Scots varies regionally. The dialect in Glasgow will differ from that in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, or the Highlands.