English and English – Part 2: Scottish English

As promised, this time I will continue my blog about different “types” of English.

Although officially English might be considered one language, there is for sure many accents and very specific vocabulary. With a bit of experience you might be even able to tell where some native speakers come from only based on how they speak and what vocabulary they use. I have decided to introduce you to some jargon typical for English speaking countries I have lived in. Last time, I presented a selection of characteristic Aussie words and phrases. This time, I will focus on Scottish English.

Scotland has one of the strongest accents compared to other English speaking countries. Scottish English is also often influenced by Scottish Gaelic. Due to that it can be sometimes relatively uneasy to understand for foreigners. Funnily, some Scottish films have even been broadcasted with subtitles in the USA. The accent and vocabulary is also very characteristic and recognisable especially by those who have had a bit of experience with it. Here I show a little taster of my favourite Scottish English that I have collected with help of few of my Scottish friends. How do you like Scottish English? Would you understand it better or worse than Australian English?

Dictionary: English to English

Ane = Ain, own, one
Auld = Old
Aye = Yes

Bairn = Child
Bampot = Idiot
Barry = Great
Bawbee = Money, coin
Bent = Grass
Bevvy = Drink
Breeks = Trousers
Bogging = Disgusting, filthy
Blutered = Very drunk
Bonnie = Nice, pretty
Braw = Brave, fine, handsome
Braw time = Good time

Canty = Cheerful, jolly
Cauld= Cool, fresh
Certes = For Sure
Ceilidh = Dancing style
Chief = Mate
Clouts = Bandages
Coo = Highland cow
Crackin’ = Brilliant

Daunder = Stroll
Dour = Down, glum
Dram = A measure of whisky
Druth = Thirsty

Eedjit = Idiot

Faff = To take time to sort something out/ get something done.
Fit – What
Foosty = Mouldy

Gadgee = Bogan type person
Galoot = Idiot
Glaikit = Foolish
Glen – Valley
Greetin’ = Crying
Gubbed = Beaten, badly
Gurn = Sulk
Guttered = Drunk
Hammered = Drunk
Haver = Talk too much
Hoachin = Really busy crowd
Houghin = Revolting

Keech = Bird shite
Ken = Know, as in ‘do you know?’
Loch = Lake
Mannie = Little man
Manky = Filthy
Messages = Groceries
Mind = Remember
Mingin’ = Disgusting
Numpty = Idiot
Nippy = Cold
Ne'er = Never
Och = Oh, as in ‘oh never mind’
Pus = Mouth
Radgees = Crazy young guys
Scran = Food
Schoogle = Wobbly
Skrechin = A shriek or unpleasant noise
Sleekit = Cunning/sly
Stookey = Plastercast for a broken arm/leg
Swally = To take a drink
Teuchtar = Person from far north or west of Scotland
Weegie = Person from glasgow
Wheesht = Be quiet
Wee = Small

 

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