Understanding the Scottish Language

Index

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Understanding the Scottish Language

No matter where you go in the world, you will always find that the people from the country that you are visiting will speak with a dialect. The Scottish people speak with a dialect, and often use words that visitors may sometimes find hard to understand.

This page has been made up to try and help visitors and tourists try to understand some of the words that they are likely to hear in Scotland - a few of them could be classed as slang words.

This page contain some of the most common words in the English speaking language that some visitors might wonder what the Scots are talking about when visiting Scotland. (In alphabetical order)

Edinburgh did have its own language in the past, this was called 'eggy speak'.  It was common on the South side of Edinburgh up until a few years ago, but there are still some people in Edinburgh who can speak it and use it in conversation in some areas.  Most people in Edinburgh could speak it at one time.  But it is now a language that is dying out.

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Everyday words that are used in Scotland

 

Aboot: Means: About. In a phrase it would sound like this: And there I was go-in aboot my ain own business. Translating this one is simple. It just Means: And there I was going about my own business.

Acht: A word that is often used as a simple form of expression. It’s like a grunt, but its pronunciation is a bit odd. The acht is not pronounced like an ache. The Ch are held onto so that it sounds like act but instead of the C being used, the Ch are used to draw the word out.

Ahint: This word tends to be used widely over Scotland for behind.  If someone says it's ahint you, they mean it is behind you.  Or look who's ahint you, would mean, look who's behind you.

Ah'm: This word is pronounced a bit like Am and stands for I am or I’m. It is just a shortened version of I’m, but it’s pronounced in a different way. Again, it’s used widely all over Scotland. So if someone says Ah'm away. All they are saying is: I’m away.

Arooned:  Means around.  Sounds a bit like marooned with the M taken out.  Arooned simply means around.  In context: I went arooned the roundabout would be pronounced as I went arooned the roundabout, or I took a walk arooned the town, meaning I took a walk around the town.

Auld: Means Old. This word is heard all over Scotland, and if you think of the song ‘Auld Lang Syne’, you have probably heard it and used it in the past. It’s not uncommon for people to say to their friends: Hoo’s it goin Auld yin, which would translate to: How is it going old one.

A’wa: This word tends to sound like a-wall, but the L is not used. A’wa: Means away. So in conversation, if were to say I’m a’wa on holiday for a few days, I would be saying: I’m away on holiday for a few days.

Aye: Means: I. In context. If I said: Naw aye cannie dae that, I would be saying: No I cannot do that.

Baffies: This word is used to descibe household slippers, footwear.  This word is common North of Edinburgh in place like Aberdeen and Dundee.  Although it not uncommon to hear this word anywhere from time to time.

Bahooky:  Means backside.  I'll give him a kick up the Bahooky, meaning a kick up the bum or backside.  The word is still in common use all over Scotland.

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Bairn: Is what a child - and some adults - are called depending what part of Scotland you are in. Bairn: Means a child, but it is not uncommon for adults to say to each other: You’re like a big bairn if they behave in a childish fashion. When asking how someone's children are, they tend to ask the question: And hoo are yer bairns the day? Meaning: And how are your children today.

Bam or Bampot:  This word is used for an idiot or someone that's a bit slow.  A Bam and Bampot mean the same thing and are both words that are used a lot in Scotland.

Barrie: This is used in Edinburgh and it is classed as a slang word. Barrie: Means good or fine. The word tends to go along with words like Gadgie and Raj. So if you ask someone how they are, and they say: Barrie Gadgie. They mean okay.

Baw: Pronounced like Bawl as in crying, but without the L, so that you end up with Baw. A word that is a shortened version for a Ball. I kicked the Baw up the field, means I kicked the Ball up the field. Baw’s: Means: More than one Ball, such as what a juggler would use.

Bawhied:  Ball head.  This word is used all over Scotland and it understood in all parts.  Baw is a word used for Ball.  Hied is the word used for head, thus the word Bawhied, and both are probably of full of air.  This word could be even older, and it may also come from Bawl-head, a child or adult crying.  When they cry it is to Bawl.

Beavy or Joog: Another two Scottish words that are used for an alcoholic drink. Going for a Beavy or a Joog: Is going for a drink. Had a lot of Beavy last night Means: Had a lot of drink last night.

Ben:  This word means through.  This word is in common use throughout Scotland.  Go ben the bedroom means go through to the bedroom, or to go ben.  To go ben means to go through to wherever it is your going.

Bide: Stay. A word that has been used in many Scottish songs such as. Fur ahm no aw’a to bide aw’a. Which means: For I’m not away to stay away. You can Bide: in a house or you can Bide where you are. Biding: Is staying.

Bird: A word that has been around a long time.  Bird, means a girlfriend, a woman, female.  You're seeing a bird means you're seeing a femal.  You can go out with a bird, meaning a female.   you can chat up a bird, meaning you were chating up a female.  This word is used more to the East coast of Scotland.

Bits or Buts: Boots. A word that is pronounced like Bits, as in bits and pieces. This word can be pronounced two ways depending on where you stay. Bits or Buts: Meaning: Boots for wearing as footwear.

Bladdered:  To be Bladdered, means to be drunk, or all the worse for alchohol.  One goes out with the intention of getting Bladdered.  The intention of going out and getting drunk.  Normally the word Bladdered will only be used when someone is full of drink.

Blagging:  This word is used for someone who Brags.  They are classed as a Blagger.  A Blagger is someone who can talk their way out of trouble.  Blagging:  Means to talk or brag their way through life.

Blether:  This word is used to descibe someone who talks a load of rubbish.  It can also be used for someone who talks a lot without letting up.  This word is quite common all over Scotland, and it is not an insult to tell someone that they are a blether.

A Bobby:  This word is used for a Policeman in Scotland.  It is a word that has been used for a long time, and it will always crop up wherever you are.  Bobbies:  Meaning more that one policeman.

Bog or Lavey: We all need them and we all use them, but they are called many things all over the world. Bog or Lavey: Is the most common words used for a toilet in Scotland. In America they are more likely to be called a rest room.

Bogging:  This word is use too say that something is stinking.  If something is dirty, it is Bogging:  Meaning dirty or smelling.  A person who is unkempt could be classed as Bogging.

Bowf:  Means rubbish.  If a film is rubbish or the television is bad, it is classed as bowf.  Meaning rubbish or awful. This word is used in some parts of Scotland and is used by people of a certain age, it is still a word that is heard depending on who you're talking too.

Braw: A word that is used all over Scotland for Nice or Great. You have probably heard people saying: It’s a Braw bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht. Meaning: It’s a nice or great moonlight night tonight (although they are words that are used, this sentence is normally said in fun). Braw: Is used widely throughout Scotland.

Brek: This word is pronounced like Breck, and can be used in two ways. Brek: Is a break. When one takes a break for a cup of tea, or a meal break. But Brek or Breks is also used for brakes on a car or any other type of transportation fitted with brakes.

Breeks:  This was a common word in Scotland, and it was used to describe trousers.  Sadly some of these words are dying out now, and they are not used as much by the younger generation.  Breeks is still used by the older generation.  So if someone tells you that you have something on your breeks, they mean you have something on your trousers.

Brew:  Dole:  The Brew or the Dole office is the unemployment office in Scotland.  When people become unemployed in Scotland, they go to the Brew to sign on as unemployed.  Because the people Britain pay National Insurance to the Government in case they become unemployed, they have to sign on at the Brew or Dole to get benefits.

Brienge: Is to Lunge: To make a sudden movement at something. Brienge: Is to move forward fast such as in a fight, or to go for someone. Lunging fast in a forward position.

Broon:  This word is a lazy Scots word for brown.  The word is also used for comic cut family called the Broons.  The word is widespread and it is used all over Scotland.

Bubbled:  This is a new word in Scotland, and it is used to describe the state of someones head.  If their head is in a muddle, their head is Bubbled.  In conversation someone can tell someone else that their own head is Bubbled if they are not thinking straight.  They will say my head is Bubbled.  You can also Bubble your own head.

Bullet:  To get the bullet is to be fired from your job of work.  To get the bullet is to get the sack from your employer.  This word is used in all parts in Scotland, and it understood by most people in the context of the conversation.

Bump or Bumped:  To Bump is to steal from someone.  Bumped:  This word is used if someone has stolen something from you.  You have been Bumped,  Meaning that someone has stolen or defrauded you.

Bunnet:  A Bunnet in Scotland is headware, a flatcap is a Bunnet.  Most people think that a bunnet is worn by old men, this is wrong a Bunnet can be worn by people of any age.

Burling:  Means to spin.  I was burling around, or I went for a burl in someones car.  Means:  I was spinning around, or I went for a spin in a car.  This word is used all over Scotland.

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Cannie: Sounds like someone who is careful, like canny. Cannie: means cannot, or will not.

Cadge or Cadger:  This is a Scottish word that has spread wide and far.  Cadge means to mooch, to beg for something.  A Cadger, is someone who is always asking for something.  Someone can Gadge a lift in a car, they can also Cadge a cigarette.  It means to beg for a lift or cigarette.  They Cadge or Mooch from other people on the pretence that they are borrowing.  But, the chances of ever getting it back are slim.

Caulibuckie:  A Caulibuckie is to lift someone on your back.  The sit on your back and put their legs through your arms.  This word is used all over Scotland.

Cauliwobbles:  Fear or frightened.  One gets the Cauliwobbles in Scotland if they are frightened or if they suffer from fear.  Cauliwobbles is a feeling  that one gets if something frightens them.  A poorly lit street or an area can give you the Cauliwobbles.

Caw Cannie:  The meaning of this word is to take it easy.  If turning a handle, you Caw it Cannily, which means taking it slow and easy or steady as you go.  Caw Canny is also an word used to tell someone to take things easy, not too push themselves.

Chapit:  This is what the Scot's do when they Chap something.  They chapit the door.  It is a word that has been used all over Scotland, and it is still in common use.  If you catch you finger in a door or somewhere else, it will be said that they chapit their finger.  Meaning that they hit it or got it caught.  When playing dominos, they chapit the table when they can't play.  Meaning, chap the table.

Chav:  This word means a male in Edinburgh.  I first heard this word used in Edinburgh in 1979, I thought it was an American word.  The word is now in common use in Scotland and females and males are called chavs.  I liked it when it was only males, at least we knew what we were talking about.

China: China is a word that is used more to the West coast of Scotland and means: Friend or Pal. This word was always used on the West coast, but it came to prominence during the 1960s when it was used in a television comedy series called Francie and Josie played by the late Jack Millroy and Riki Fulton - both Scottish comedians.

Chuffed:  On top of the world.  Happy or excited.  Chuffed is a word that has been used in Scotland for a long time, and it is used when someone receives good news.  They can be Chuffed at the news, meaning happy.

Claise: Means Clothes. This is a word that is used commonly across the country, and it means the same thing. Claise: Pronounced like Clays: But means one word: Clothes. A Claise shop is a clothes shop.

Clart   Meaning Clarty:  Filthy or dirty.  This word is used more to the East coast of Scotland and it has been used for a long time to describe someone who is dirty in their habits.

Clype:  Is someone who tell tales on other people.  A lot of people will avoid a Clype because whatever you say to them will be passed on to someone else.  A clype tends to have a loose tongue, and if you tell them a secret, you know your secret will not be kept.  A clype at work is someone who will tell the boss everything that they hear.

Cockahoop:  Someone that's on top the world.  In converstion, if you ask someone how they are, they might reply by saying "I'm cockahoop".  Meaning everything's fine and they're on top of the world, meaning that they are fine, happy or feeling chirpy.

Coo: Sounds a bit like the sound that a pigeon would make, but it means: Cow. If I said I saw some coo’s in the field, I would be saying I saw some cows in the field.

Cowped:  This word means to tip.  I cowped it over, or it got cowped means I tipped it over or it got tipped over.  This word is still in common use all over Scotland.

Coupon:  Coupon means face in Scotland.  This word is used all over Scotland and has been around for a long time.  You can wash your coupon or have a dirty coupon.  Which means that you have washed your face or have a dirty face.

Craw:  Throat.  This word is used in conversation to describe something that bugs you.  It sticks in your Craw, meaning it sticks in your throat.  This is a word that is used all over Scotland.

Cuddie: This is another word used for a horse.  A fairly simple word that was used in the past if you saw a horse.  It was often referred to as a cuddie.  Although this word is not used so often now, and again depending what part of Scotland you are in.

Cudgie:  Sounds a bit like Cujee.  It's a silent D.  The word Cudgie is used for a toilet.  If someone asks you where the Cudgie is, they are asking you where the toilet is.  This word was used more too the West coast of Scotland in the past.  It is now used by an older age group all over Scotland.  And it is not a word you will hear every day.

Dabs:  This word is used for finger prints in Scotland.  If the police take your Dabs, they are taking your finger prints for the records.  This word is common in Scotland.

Dae yea ken whit I mean: This phrase is used to say: Do you know what I mean: Dae, means Do: Yea: is You: Ken: is Know: Whit: is What.

Daunder: Is used for Walk. Daunder: Is used when someone says that they are going for a slow walk. So if I said I am away for a Daunder, I’m away to stretch my legs. A word commonly used in most parts of Scotland.

Dawdle: Is a word used for a slow walk.  If someone is walking in front of you very slowly, it could be said that they were dawdleling along very slowly, or going for a very slow walk.

Deek:  Deeking:  This word has been around for awhile, and it originated in the housing schemes of Edinburgh.  Deek:  Is to have a look.  Deeking:  is looking.  I was having a deek at that would mean:  I was having a look at that.  This is a word that crops up now and again depending what company you are in.

Didnay: It sounds like widnay: But it means: Didn’t, or did not.

Dinky Doo:  This is a word that has been made famous in Scotland by a Scottish radio presenter called Scottie McLue.  The word has been used for a long time in Scotland and it means goodbye.  When someone is leaving,  Dinky Doo can be used too mean goodbye.  It can also be used too greet someone.

Divy:  Divot:   A scottish word used to describe an idiot.  A person can be described as a Divy or a Divot if they are a bit slow or not too bright.  It is not uncommon to hear someone else calling another person a Divy or a Divot, this word is used all over Scotland.

Doon: Is the word used for: Down. So someone saying that they went doon tae see their maw would mean: That they went down to see their mother.

Doses:  This word is used for lots or a lot of in Scotland.  Doses:  Means lots.  In conversation, if someone says that have received doses of something, they mean a lot.

Dosser:  This word is used for someone who sleeps rough.  Someone who sleeps wherever they can, even if it's on the floor of their friends floor or sofa.  Someone who Dosses around, is someone who takes advantage sleeping areas wherever they can.

Dram: Is a glass of whiskey. Elsewhere a Dram would normally mean a small glass of spirits. But in Scotland a Dram is a glass of whiskey, hence the saying: I’ll just hae a wee Dram please.

Draws: This is an odd word but it still used widely.  Draws mean the bottom part of underwear, be it underpants or knickers. It's not uncommon to hear someone say my Draws are a bit uncomfortable. Meaning their underwear is uncomfortable.  Even though there is only one they are always called a pair.  Why?  I don't know.

Driecht:  Means dull or dour.  When using the word to describe the weather.  It's a driecht day, meaning overcast or wet and rainy.  A person who has black outlook on life has a driecht outlook of life.

Drivel:  This one of many words in the Scottish language that means rubbish.  Drivel is rubbish and this word is used all over Scotland.

Drookit:  This means soaked right through.  If you go out and get soaked, you would say that you got drookit.  Meaning wet right through.  This word is still used throughout Scotland and means the same wherever you go in the country.

Duff:  This word is used in Scotland and the word Means Rubbish.  If you play a musical instrument bad, you will be classed as a Duff player.  If you play football or any other sport bad, you are be a Duff player, meaning rubbish.

Dunderhead:  This is someone that's a bit of a dunce.  Someone that's a bit slow at times, including yourself if you can't think straight.  This word has been used in Scotland for a long time, and it is not uncommon to hear someone else calling someone a dunderhead, or even themselves if they're being self critical.

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Een or Ean:  Means eyes.  This is a word that is still used depending what part of Scotland you are in, and means eyes.  If someone were describing some with bulging eyes, they would say they had a pair of Eens or Eans that were bulging or like flying saucers.  Een or Ean means eyes.

Earwigging: This word is used for someone who likes listening to other peoples conversations.  If you are having a private conversation with someone, and someone is close by, you might move away from them on the grounds that they are earwigging, or listening in to your conversation.

Fae: Is pronounced as fay or frae:  This word is used again depending what part of Scotland you are from.  It means from such as: Where are you fae, meaning from.  The word is used quite commonly and simply mean from.

Feartie: This word is used for someone who is frightened.  If someone dare someone to do something and they are scared to do it, they would be classed as feared or a feartie. Often people are pushed in to things that they do not want to do rather than be classed as feartie.

Flair:  This word is used for floor.  In Scotland people say on the flair.  A flair is in a house or in a shop, but the grooned is outside, and is the ground.  If someone is delivering something to your house they be told to leave it on the flair.

Flirt:  Flirt means someone who is always Flirting.  They are called a flirt.  Someone who is always talking to people will often be called a Flirt.

Flooers: Flowers. A simple word that is used for flowers. I got the wee wuman a bunch of flooers, would Mean: I got the wife a bunch of flowers. Or what lovely Flooers in that garden, would Mean: What lovely flowers in that garden.

Flyman: A Fly Man. This word tends to be used on the West Coast of Scotland, and is used to describe someone who is cunning, or who thinks that they are fly. It is pronounced quite fast so that it sounds like Flyman:

Fur: Pronounced as Fur: Means: For. If someone were to say that they are going away Fur a newspaper or something else, they are saying that they are going away for whatever it is they are going for.

Fut: This word is used for foot.  If you stub your foot against something or somebody stand on your foot, you will hear someone shout: I hurt my fut, or you're standing on my fut.

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Gadge or Gadgie: This word is a slang word that is used for a male: Gadgie is used by some males and females when they are talking about a man. It’s not unflattering depending what context it is used in. It is not unusual for some people in Edinburgh - depending what area you come from - to greet each other by saying: How’s it going gadgie, or are you okay gadge.

Gander:   To Gander is to look:  To have a Gander is to have a look in Scotland.  This word seems to come up from time to time depending who you are speaking too and where you are in Scotland.  To have a Gander means to have a look.

Gau-in: Means Going. A simple word that is used every day. Gau-in: is pronounced without the G on the end of it. The word sounds like: Gau-in, but it’s all joined together as one word.

Gies: Tends to sound a bit like geese. Think of the word as ge-us said quickly and you end up with Gies: This is the word used for Give Me. So in a pub or a shop you may hear someone saying Gies a paper please. What they are saying is: Give me a paper please.

Ginger: A word that is used more to the West coast of Scotland for a soft drink.  It doesn't matter If it's lemonade, cola or any other type of soft drink.  In Glasgow, it's a bottle or can of ginger.

Glaikit: Another unflattering word meaning: Not good looking. Stupid looking in facial appearance. Plug looking. A word that was more commonly used in the past, but the word is not used as often now.

Googly:  This is a word that has been used in Scotland for a long time - even before computers.  Googly is used to refer to someone that has bulging eyes.  Googly eyes:  Means bulging or big eyes.

Greeting:  This word is used in Scotland for crying.  In most counties - including Scotland - greeting is what you do when you meet someone.  But Scotland also uses this word for moaning and crying.  If someone is always moaning, you would say they are always greeting.  If someone is, or has been crying you would say that they are greeting or they have been greeting.

Grass:  Means an informer.  This is the name someone get if they are a police informer in Scotland.  If a child tells the teacher on another child they are called a Grass.  This is a Scottish word that has been used for a long time, and it is often missused, or used wrongly.  The word Supergrass comes from word Grass.

Grooned: Sounds like groomed, but an N is put in where the M is. Grooned: Is a word that is used for Ground. So if I was going to a football Grooned: I would be going to a football ground. Grooneded: Means: Grounded: In context: The Children are Grooneded: Or the children are grounded.

Gub:  Means gob, mouth.  Shut your gob or gub, means shut your mouth.  Or someone has a big gub, or gob, meaning that they a big mouth in talking sense.  A dirty gub: Someone who swears a lot, or someone that talks filth.

Gubbing:   Is to beat in Scotland.  At a football match when the other team gets beaten, it would be said they got a Gubbing: Meaning they got beaten.  This word is widely used and it means the same all over.  In a fight, the winner might say they gave someone a gubbing: Meaning they gave them a beating.

Gubby:  Means Goby:  Someone who gives you backchat, or someone who will not keep their mouth shut. Gubby comes from the word Gob or Goby, meaning mouth.  It is a word that is still used in Scotland too describe someone who always wants the last word.

Guising   Or Guiser:  In America, children trick or treat.  In Scotland they go Guising.  They dress up on the 31 October - Halloween - to go around the doors guising, making them a guiser.  Guising or guiser is a word that can also be used for someone who is dodging work.  This word is still used all over Scotland

Gutties: A word used for Plimsolls: Soft shoes with a rubber sole and canvas uppers, used for physical training, or they can be used in sports or for running in.

Hame or Hoose: Hame: Is used for Home Hoose: Is used for House. If I stated that I was going Hame: I would be going home. If I am going Hame to my Hoose: I am telling you that I am going home to my house.

Haggis:  This word is used for a Scottish dish.  You may be told by a Scottish person that you have to hunt Haggis up in the hills, and that it has three legs.  Two long legs and one short one so that it can run around the hills too escape from those hunting it.  The Haggis is a traditional dish, and it is made with the lights of beef, the heart, kidney, lungs and the innards' of the animal.  This is mixed with cereal, barley and spices to give it its flavour.  It is then put in the skin made from the intestines of an animal and boiled.  When in Scotland:  Haggis is a Scottish dish that must be tried.  Each butcher has their own family recipe, and they guard it with their lives.

Half Loaf   When a Scottish person comes into your shop for a loaf of bread they will ask you for a Half Loaf.  When they ask for a half loaf, they mean a full loaf of bread and they don't expect you to cut the loaf of bread in two parts so that they can get half a loaf of bread.  The word is dying out now, but their are still many Scot's who ask for a half Loaf.

Hayin: I’m Hayin a good day would translate into: I’m having a good day. Hayin: means having. This word is widely used and tends to be pronounced very much the same way all over Scotland.

Heaving:  Crowded, full.  A word that is used in Scotland for a lot of people.  Heaving: Meaning, A full pub, dance hall or anywhere that has a lot of people.  Somewhere that is crowded with people.

Hert: this is another word used for heard as in listening.  If two people are having a conversation and one of the party thinks they are not being listened too, it is not uncommon for the other person to refute this by saying: I hert what you said.

Hen: A strange word used in conversation with a female. Instead of saying are you all right Alice or Mrs. An Edinburgh person will call a woman hen: Hen: Is a word commonly used in Edinburgh when speaking to a female with no offence meant or taken.

Hied: If you see and hear a Scotsman wandering around and moaning about having a sair hied, you’ll know that they are probably suffering from a hangover. Hied: Is pronounced like heed, but it means head. So a sair hied is a sore head. Usually suffered the next day after a heavy night of drinking.

Hiedbanger:  This is a slang word and it is used to describe a headbanger:  A nutter.  The word hiedbanger is used in all parts of Scotland and it means the same wherever you go.

Hogmanay:  This word is used for New Year in Scotland,  the 31 December into the 1 January.  Auld Years Night - meaning Old Years Night is the 31 December.  New Year starts on the first of January.

Honkey Dory: This word mean that all is well.  If someone ask how you are it not uncommon to reply by saying, I'm Honkey Dory.  Or how are thing with you. Again the reply might be Honey Dory.  Meaning alright or everything's is just fine.

Hoo: Is word used for How. Hoo: is pronounced like who. So if someone asks hoo are ye the day they simply mean: How are you today.

Hootmagandy:  Sex.  A bit on the side.  This word goes back a long way and is used in the Scottish language, although it is dying out a bit now with the younger generation.  If your going to sleep with someone for the night, you'll be having a bit of hootmagandy.  Meaning sex.

Howked or Howking:  This word is used to describe digging.  To Howk is to dig.  Howking is digging.  This word is used all over Scotland and it means the same in all parts.

Huckle or Huckled:  Means to be lifted by the poice.  To be arrested, is to be Huckled in Scotland.  Normally those who commit an offence will be Huckled in Scotland.  This word is widely used.

Huvnay: This word is used for have not.  If someone ask if you have something, no matter what it is, and you don't have it, the answer is likely to be I Huvnay got any.  Or I huvnay got one.  Especially when someone ask for money.  The common answer, and I think this one goes worldwide.  The answer would be I hunay got any.  Meaning I've not got any.

Jakey:  A wine or port drinker on the streets.  This is word that is well known in Scotland.  A Jakey is someone who drinks too excess in Scotland.  There was a time when it was only those who were on the streets who were classed as Jakey's.  But in this modern society, people who own houses can also be a Jakey.  Someone who is always drinking alcohol to excess - like a wino, an alcoholic.

Jolly:  Jollies:  This is a fairly new word in Scotland, although it has been used for around 30 years.  Jolly: Means a thrill.  Is this is how you get your Jollies, can be said in conversation and it meas is this how you get you thrills.

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Keks:  Means pants or knickers.  This is a slang word, and it comes from the housing schemes of Edinburgh.  The word has been around for a long time, and it's one of these words that some people use, but it is not in common use all over Scotland.

Ken or Kent: Know or Known. When someone in conversation says that they Ken someone or a place, they are simply saying that they Know. Kent: This word is often used to let others know that they did know or already knew what the person is talking about. So they Kent about it.

Kid: Sounds like a goat, and the word is pronounced the same way. Kid: Means Could. Used commonly all over Scotland. Kid: is used in conversation such as I Kid: Meaning: I could, but the word is also used for a child Kids: Is also used for children.

Kirk:  This word is used all over Scotland for a church.  You'll be going to the Kirk today would mean: you'll be going to the church today.  The word chuch is seldom used in Scotland, most people use the word Kirk for churches of all kinds.

Knock:  This is to steal in Scotland.  If someone's Knocking something, they are stealing it.  This word has been used for a long time in Scotland, but it is slowly dying out and being replaced by new words from the younger generation.

Laldy:  Giving it your all.  In Scotland don't give it their all, they give it Laldy:  Meaning that they stick their heart into it.  Someone singing their heart out is classed as giving it Laldy.  Meaning:  Giving their all.

Lang or Alang: Means: Long or Along. These words are used commonly throughout Scotland, and they can sound slightly different depending what part of Scotland you are in.

Lights:  This word refers to your eyes.  The Scottish people are always threatening to punch each others lights out.  This is just a figure of speech, and lights means eyes.  It's the way the Scots speak when their explaining something.  They very seldom hit each other, but it make them feel secure when they talk about punching your or someones elses lights out.

Laxidaisical:  This is a word that has been used for a long time in Scotland, and it means to be Lax.  Someone who is who lazy, slovenly, sloppy or can't be bothered is classed being Laxidaisical.  Meaning lax.

Ma: Means: My. Ma: Tends to sounds a bit like maw but the Aw are not pronounced. If you hear a Scot singing a song with a lot of words with My in it, you are likely to hear the word Ma pronounced instead of the word My.

Mair: Sounds a bit like a Mare in the meaning of a female horse. And this word is pronounced the same way, but the meaning is totally different. Mair: In Scotland it means More. So if you are having a meal, and someone asks you if you want some Mair: They mean do you want some More.

Mannie: Is often used to explain a Man in certain parts of Scotland. Such as: He is an awful Mannie, or he’s an awfully nice Mannie: That would mean he is an awful man or an awfully nice man.

Maukit:  This word is used for people who are filthy.  Their house can be maukit - meaning filthy or dirty.  A person can also be classed as maukit in the sense that do not clean themselves by washing or bathing, this word is a word that is used all over Scotland.

Maw: Means mother. So if I said: I love ma maw. I would be saying: I love my mother. Or ma maw’s getting oan a bit, I would be referring to her age and would be saying: My mothers getting on a bit as in age.

Micht: This word is used for might.  In context, if someone asks if you are going to do something or if you are going somewhere, they might reply by saying:  I micht, but there again I mich not.  It's a none committal answer meaning they might or they might not.

Midden:  This word is used in Scotland to describe a dump or an unclean house or other area.  A dump is a midden.  A house that is not clean is a midden.  It not unusual for someone to tell you that a place is a midden, meaning unclean or unkempt.  Clarty:  meaning unclean or unkempt.

Miffed:  Upset, annoyed.  Miffed:  Is a word that has been used for a long time in Scotland, and it means too Upset or annoy.  If someone does something you don't like, you can become Miffed:  Meaning upset or annoyed.

Mingin: An unflattering word used to express the cleanliness of someone, but not necessarily true. It is similar to using the word mankie or honking: All meaning unkempt, smelly or stinking.

Mooch or Moocher:  This word is used in Scotland for someone who's always asking for things without the intention of giving it back.  If someone is always asking for cigarettes, they, they are a Moocher.  They Cadge or Mooch from other people on the pretence that they are borrowing.  But, the chances of ever getting it back are slim.

Mooth: Meaning: Mouth, a word that sounds a bit strange when you first hear it, but after awhile, you get used to the word. A Moothie: Is a shortened word for a Mouth Organ in Scotland - and probably other parts of the world - especially if a Scotsman has been there.

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The Scottish Nay's:   The Scot's use a number of words that have now been called the Scottish Nay's:   Didnay, Widnay, Cannay, Willnay, Shouldnay and Wiznay are some of the words that you will hear while you are in Scotland.

Didnay:   Meaning:   Did Not

Widnay:   Meaning:   Would Not

Willnay:   Meaning:   Will Not

Shouldnay:   Meaning:   Should Not

Wiznay:   Meaning:   Was Not

Cannay:   Meaning:   Cannot

Couldnay:   Meaning:   Could Not

The spelling of these words may vary depending in what part of Scotland you are in, but the meaning is the same wherever you go.

Nackered:  If someone has done a hard days work, they are Nackered at they end of it.  Anything that causes exertion, like running or walking great distances is classed as Nackering.  This word is still used all over Scotland, and means the same wherever you go in the country.

Nanna: Is used for Granny or Grandmother. Sounds a bit like a Banana, but without the Ba. It is used in most parts of Scotland and it is not a sign of disrespect to ask someone how their Nanna is if you know them.

Nash: Nashed:   Hurry, run or getting out of the way quickly.  This is a word that he has been around for a long time in Edinburgh, depending on where you live.  Nash:  Means too hurry, run or move quickly.  Nashed:  Means, you did hurry, run or walk away quickly from something.

Naw: Sounds a bit like gnaw: But Naw, simply means one word: No.

Nay:  No or None.  Nay is a word that is used in many countries over the world, and it normally means No.  In Scotland the men go from Gray hair to Nay hair.  Meaning gray hair to No hair, which means they have none or no hair.

Neb or Nebby:  This is a fairly new word that is used in Scotland, although it has been around for a few years. Neb:  Means nose, get your neb out of my business.  Meaning get your nose out of my business.  Nebby:  Means being nosey.  This word is used to describe someone who can't keep their nose out of other people's business.  Sometime's the word Beak is also used, meaning nose.

Ned: or Ned's:  This a new word that has been used in Scotland for awhile.  Ned:  Means a thug.  Ned's:  A group of thugs.  People who can't behave themselves.  Children can be classed as ned's if they are out of control and causing trouble.  Older people can also be classed as ned's depending on their be behaviour.

Nippy:  Is a word that is used when someone can't stop talking.  They are Nippy and likely too bubble your head or do your head in.  It is a word that is used all over Scotland now, and it means the same wherever you go.  It should not be mistaken for a Nip which is a glass of whiskey.

No: No would normally mean no in most peoples language, but it can mean two words in the Scottish language. No: can mean Not in the language, it’s used often in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland. If I said Naw, I’m No going there, or I’m No haying that, I would be saying: No, I’m not going there, or I’m not having that. You will notice that the T is not pronounced in the Not.

Noo: Means: Now. It’s another word that sounds a bit like coo, but it has an N at the beginning instead of a C. Noo: is used in most parts of Scotland. In conversation, if I said: Are ye goin aw’a noo. I would be saying: Are you going away now.

Nowt: This word means nothing.  It can refer to a number of things such as:  Have you any money.  The reply could be: I've nowt, meaning I've got nothing .  Or you're getting now off me.  Meaning you are getting nothing from me.

Napper:  This word is used for you head in Scotland.  It is in common use all over the country.  I've got a sore napper.  I've got a sore head.  I gave them a tap on the napper.  I gave them a tap on the head.

Nuggets: A modern word that has recently crept into the Scottish language. Nuggets: The word is used for being out of your head on drink or drugs, and it is used quite widely nowadays by the young when someone has had a lot to drink.

Numpty: This word is a fairly new word and it is used to descibe and idiot.  Someone who is not too bright.  It is in common use now by the younger generation who tend to use the word to insult each other.  They call each other Numpties, meaning half daft, not too bright.

Nut: Sounds like nut, but the T is pronounced quickly and sounds like a silent T. This word is another word that is used for naw or: No.

Oan: That: A word that is used for That. In conversation if someone says they’ll have the Oan ane, they mean that they’ll have that one. This word is used all over Scotland, but the pronunciation may differ slightly in different regions.

Oot: Means: Out. This word is widely used in the context of out. I am going Oot tonight. Meaning: I am going Out tonight. Or I was Oot last night. Meaning: I was out last night. A knock Oot in the boxing ring. Meaning: A knock Out.

Ootside: This word is like the word above, but it is slightly different and means outside.  In context:  If I said I was Oootside in the garden, I would mean that I was outside in the garden.  Ootside just means outside and it used commonly all over Scotland.

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Pagger:  This is a Scottish word that's used for a fight.  Young gangs of youths tend to use this word when they are telling you that they had a fight. they go to pagger someone.  Have a fight or a punch up with someone. The word is mainly used on the East Coast of Scotland and it tends to be used in housing schemes a lot.  Males and females can pager each other.  This is not a reflection of all the youth of Scotland.

Peely Wally: This word is used to descibed someone who may be pale in complextion.  It may that they are feeling sick and their face has gone white in colour.  They are looking awful Peely Wally, is still used all over Scotland and is often used to decribe someone and how they look in health.

Pey: This word can mean a number of things depending what part of Scotland you are in. Pey: Is the word a Dundee person would use for a Pie (the pronunciations in Dundee are different). Pey: is also the word used for Pay or earnings, a word understood everywhere.

Peavy:  Is an Alcholic drink.  This word is not and old word although it has been used for about thirty years and is understood by most Scot's - it is not used in all parts of Scotland.  To go for a Peavy is to go for an Alcoholic drink or a drinking session.  Or to go for a Bevy which means the same as Peavy.

Polis: This word is used in Scotland for the police, used more often on the West coast of Scotland.  It is not disrespectfull.  Polis is just a lazy way of saying police.

Puss: This word means face and is used more often North of Edinburgh in place like Fife.  It is commonly used in Dundee and other parts close to it.  Although it is also used in other parts of Scotland.  A kiss on the puss means a kiss on the face.  A belt on the puss is to hit someone on the face.

Physog: This is a fairly new word, and it used to descibe your face or someone elses face.  The Scots have a habit of adapting words and this is one of those words.  Physog and dial mean the same thing.

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Poofee:  Is a footstool in Scotland.  Pass the Poofee so I can put my feet up means pass me the footstool so I can put my feet up.  This word has been used for a long time in Scotland and it means the same all over.

Provost:   A Provost in Scotland is an elected councillor who represents a Scottish town.  A Lord Provost represents a city in Scotland.  Provost and Lord Provost: are elected representatives of Scottish towns and cities and they would be called a Mayor or Lord Mayor anywhere else.

Rammie:  Is a row.  What a rammie there was in the pub last night would mean what a row or what a noise there was in the pub last night.  Two or more people having a rammie means that they were having a loud row.  Did you hear the rammie last night means, did you hear the row or noise last night.

Raj: A word meaning a bit of a fool or an idiot. This again is a word that is used depending what part of the city you come from. It is not a flattering word, and it’s often used to insult people. But saying that, there are some people who use it as everyday language to address their friends - again depending what area you come from.

Reeking: Reeking is an old word, and it is used to descibe someone or even yourself getting or being drunk.  It can also be used for a chimney that is smoking badly, or a car where exhaust fumes are spewing out of it.  This word is now used all over Scotland, although it was used more on the West coast before the rest of Scotland adopted the word.  This word is now in common use all over Scotland.

Sair: Pronounced a like Stair without the T and you end up with Sair: The word is used for sore, such as in pain or sore head. This is a word that changes very little in the different parts of Scotland.

Scaffie: Scaffie is a word that is used for a Street Cleansing Orderly. This is an old word that has been used for a long time to describe someone who cleans the streets. It is not a derogatory word, and it is understood by most people, as someone who sweeps the streets.

Scran:  Scranning:  A Scran means, to eat.  Going for a Scran, means going to eat.  Scranning,  Means eating. These words have been around for awhile and probably originated in Edinburgh's housing schemes.  These words are used in Edinburgh, and it's not everybody who uses them.

Scoot or Scadadle:  To Scoot means to go.  Scoot and Scadadle mean the same thing.  Both words are used all over Scotland.  If someone says they must Scoot, they mean they must go to wherever it is they are going.

Scunner: This word was a common word at one time.  It was used instead of swearing when frustrated.  In conversation when things are not going quite right or when things are hard it could be used by saying it's a scunner.  Or if working on something that does not work out, it could be said it's a scunner.

Shilly Shallying:  To take you time.  Too dodge work.  Shilly Shallying has been used in Scotland for a long time too describe someone who is always trying to avoid things like work, or carrying anything while other people are carrying their fair share.  They are also classed as Shyster in Scotland depending where you are.

Shoogle:  Is to shake.  I gave them a shoogle or I gave it a shoogle is to give them or it a shake.  You can give yourself a shoogle or someone else can give you or part of you a shoogle.

Skelf:  This word is used for a splinter of wood.  If you get a splinter from a piece of wood or metal in your hand. you would say you got a skelf or a speal.  Speal: is another word that is used for a splinter and both words mean the same thing.

Skelp or Skelpit: These two words are the same and mean the same thing. Skelp: Is to hit. You could Skelp yourself with a hammer while hammering in a nail. Skelped: Is when someone else is talking about someone else being hit, whatever way that might be. Skelpit: Is the same word but pronounced differently in other parts of Scotland.

Simmit:   A Simmit is a vest in Scotland.  This word is used all over Scotland and it means the same.  A wife might ask her husband if he's got his Simmit on in the winter, meaning has he got his vest on to keep the cold out.  Simmit meaning Vest as in underwear.

Siver:  A Siver in Scotland is a street drain.  Siver is mainly used for the drains that are on the streets, a drain in a sink is not classed as a Siver.

Skiddadle: This word means to go, to move.  In conversation someone may say that they have to skiddadle.  Meaning that they have to go to wherever it is they going to.  This word is still used in most parts of Scotland.

Skite or Skitting: This word is used for slip or slipping. when a floor is slippery you have watch in case you skite or go skitting on it.  This word is used almost all over Scotland although there may be some slight variation depending where you are.

Skullery:  Means a kitchen in Scotland.  Are you going ben the skullery to make me a cup of tea.  This means, are you going through to the kitchen to make me a cup of tea.  Skullery is used in most parts of Scotland, and skullery is a word that is commonly used for kitchen.

Sleakit: This word is commonly used, and it was used by Rabbie Burns and other people in the past.  Sleakit means fly or cunning.  The word is still used in most parts of Scotland, and it often comes up in conversation to descibe someone who is fly or cunning.

Sook:  Means a monkies.  In Scotland if someone doesn't care about something, it means that they don't give a sook.  This is a word that is common with the working man, and in context it could be said that they don't give a sook. Couldn't care less.  Or that other person couldn't give a sook, meaning that they don't care about it.

Soor:  This word is just sour, but it's the way it is pronounced that counts.  You can have a Soor Pus:  Meaning a sour face.  Or the milk can be soor.  Meaning Sour.

Stey or Steyin: Stey or Steying Means: Stay or Staying in most parts of Scotland. If someone asks where you are Steyin or where you Stey, they are asking you where you live. It is a word that is used daily all over by most people in Scotland.

Steamin or Reekin: Drunk. Steaming is when someone has more than their fair share of alcohol, leading to the point of talking incoherently, or in a state of being drunk to the point of being incapable. Reekin: Meaning: Reeking or to be stinking drunk.

Stoater: Means great, fantastic or a big lie.  Someone can tell you a joke, and the end if it is funny, you may say it's a Stoter.  Meaning it was a good or a fantastic joke.  Or it can be used when someone is a prolific liar.  If you know they are lying you can use the word a stoater again.  Meaning that was some lie that they told.

Stoatin:  This word can be used in two ways in Scotland.  If it's raing heavy and the rain's bouncing of the ground, it could be said that the rain was stoating off the ground.  Stoating can also be used to describe someone that is good looking.  It could be said that they are stoating, meaning a cracker or a good looker.  If a good joke has been told, one that you enjoyed.  It would be classed as a stoater.

Stooshie: Means a row. Someone can create a stooshie in an empty room.  Meaning that they could cause a row in an empty room.  This word is still in common use all over Scotland.

Stookie:  This word is used in Scotland for punching or hitting someone.  It's a word that crops up from time to time when someone is talking about fighting with their fists  Look at Pagger also as it related to this word.  Both words go hand in hand.

Stoor: This word is used for dust in Scotland.  Stoorie: Means dusty.  This word is common in all parts of Scotland, although other words may be used depending where you are.

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Tattie or Tatties:  A word that is used for potato or potatoes.  When asked what you are having for your dinner, you can be rest assured that it will be mince and tatties or a baked tattie.  This word is used all over Scotland for potatoes.  Going to the shop for a bag of potatoes: In Scotland it's a bag of tatties.

Tan or Tanning:  This word is used by people who break into property.  The word has been around for over thirty years.  To tan a property would be to break into that property, tanning means the same.  Tanned means that someone has broken in a property.  These words are used in areas with high crime rates.

Teauchter:  Pronounced like tuchter:  This words to someone that come from the country and are not a town dweller.  It also refers to the way they speak.  Teauchtures tend to speak a in broader Scots language and tend to be from the rural areas of the country.

Telt: Means told.  If I were to say I telt him or her, I would be saying I told him or her.  Again this word is used all over Scotland.  In context if I telt a tall story, I would be saying something that is hard to believe.  Telt simply means Told.

The Mourn: Mourn: or Morn is a shortened term for morning. The Scots have a habit of saying I’ll see you The Mourn: It tends to sound a bit like Mourn rather than Morn and it is another adaptation of a word that is used daily by people from many countries, but it is probably pronounced slightly different.

Thraple:  This word is used for Throat in Scotland.  The word is an old word and it used all over Scotland. Thraple:  Means Throat.  You put your food or drink over your Thraple, meaning your throat.

Tipsy:  This word in Scotland, is to be half drunk.  To be Tipsy, is to have a drink and be half drunk.  Not in the state of being totally drunk.  Tipsy, is when the effects of drink start taking effect.

Toon: A name used commonly over Scotland for a Town or city centre. Used more by country people, and rural dwellers to describe a town or city centre as the Toon. In conversation if someone say that they are going into the toon, they are going into the middle of a town or city centre.

Tube:  Means and idiot, a fool someone to be taken advantage of.  This word was used on the West coast of Scotland, but since 1970 the word tube has spread and it is now used all over Scotland.  It is insulting to call someone a tube, although it not uncommon to hear someone calling someone else a tube.

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Tuchter: This word is used to identify someone that lives in the North of the country, normally someone who does not live in a city or a town.  A country person is often called a tuchter, although this word is often misused, and people who may live only a few miles out of Edinburgh can be called a tuchter wrongly.  This word is not used as often as it used to be as it used to be.

Tumshee: This word is used to describe a Turnip.  A word that has been used for a long time, and it is used widely all over Scotland and is still in common use all over the country.

W’a: Sounds like war without the R, but it means: Wall. I leaned against the W’a, simply means: I leaned against the wall.

Wean or Wean’s: When pronounced it tends to sound like wayne or wain’. Wean is another word used for a child, although it’s more likely to be heard on the West coast of Scotland. Wean’s: mean more than one child, and probably comes from the word: Wee ones, meaning the children.

Wee: This is a word that is used for small, and it’s sometimes used for addressing people. A Wee dram would mean a small whiskey. A Wee bit would be a small bit. On the West coast it is not unusual for someone to address another person as Wee-man or Big-man. The address would be: Hi-rae Big or Wee-man hoo’s it gau-in. That would mean: Hi there big or wee-man how’s it going.

Weel: Tends to sound a bit like the wheel of a car, but the H is missing. Weel: Means: Well. So if I said, I ken someone very weel: I would be saying I know someone very well. The word can also be used in health, such as: Someone is no very weel today: Meaning that they are not very well today.

Whit or Wit:  This word is used for what.  In conversation, if someone never heard what was being said properly, they will reply by saying: wit or whit were you saying.  The word can also be used to refute something by saying: Wit or Whit you saying was a load of rubbish if don't agree with the conversation or the point put over by the other person.

Wid: This is a shortened word for Would. In conversation it could be said: I Wid if I could but ah cannie. Putting it as it should be, it would read: I would if I could but I can’t.

Wide:  Wido:  This is a new word that is being used in Scotland.  It has not been used over a period of time, and it probably comes from somewhere else.  But it is a word that is common use just now.  Wide:  Means being smart towards someone.  Wido:  Means a smart Alex, someone who's trying to be smart.  Are you a wido,  This means, are you trying to be smart, clever.  It's not a word you will hear every day.

Widnay: Tends to sound like widney: In context it means Wouldn’t. Or would not.

Wifie:  A woman is a Wifie in Scotland.  The word should not get mixed up with a wife, a wife being a married woman.  Any middle aged woman can be called a Wifie in Scotland whether she married or not.  This an old word, and it is in common use all over Scotland.

Wis: Pronounced like Wiz, but means was. It’s a word that has developed over many years and it is pronounced the same all over the country as Wis. In conversation it would be: I wis gau-in doon the road. Meaning: I was going down the road.

Wull or Wulnay: There are two Scottish word that are an adaptation of Will or Will Not. They are simple words to understand, and just sounds like Will pronounced with a U instead of the I. I Wull or Wull not Means: I Will or Will Not. Wulnay Means: I will not.

Wuman: Is for a woman. It’s just a simple word that is used daily in Scotland and it quite easy to understand. Woman or Wuman is pretty well understood by most people.

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Yersel: Another word that’s not hard to work out. Yersel: Means yourself. A lot of the Scottish words are adaptations of words with some letters missing, and some of them are not too hard to understand. The pronunciation and the way they are said may be a little bit harder.

Yin and Ane: There are a number of words used for One. It depends what part of Scotland you are in. Yin and Ane are two of the most common words that are used for One.

Yous or Youz: This word is used to describe a group of people.  Normally it used by someone addressing a group of people when they are in a rage.  The people that tend to use this word are not addressing anyone in particular and tend to address everyone as yous or youz lot are all the same.  They tend to swear a lot and show themselves up for what they really are.  They find it very hard to string two words together without a triad of abuse to the people they addressing.  You are better to ignore them and let them rabbit on by themselves.

It's a braw bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht:  This saying is used by some of the Scottish people too wind up a none Scottish person and means 'It's a lovely moonlight night tonight'.


This is a small selection of words that the Scots use daily in their language. None of the words are hard to understand, yet most Scots don’t even realise that they use these words, and that’s because they are used daily as part of the language.

Listening to a language is the best way to understand what other people are saying.  Your ears become attuned too what other people are saying by listening.


To listen how the Scots speak, log onto the website below, the various presenters and locals use the language well.  You will hear many of the words on this page spoken throughout the broadcasts.

To listen to what's going on in Edinburgh on the radio, log onto the website below:

Radio Forth2

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