Mastering The Scottish Slang

Queensferry Bridges

Dear Diary,

Ever wondered what the ‘wee’ in my blog name means?

Well, keep reading and you’ll get the answer!

Scottish slang definitely is a language on its own and it can be a bit confusing when you first come across some of those words.

But dinna fash (don’t worry) and keep the heid (keep calm)!

Here are some of the most common ones translated for you.

20 Scottish Words and Their Meanings

Translation: old

Example: ‘auld lang syne’

-> ‘the old times’, although ‘syne’ literally means ‘since’

Edinburgh is also known as ‘auld reekie’, which means ‘old smokey’. A nickname going back to the times when the town was covered in smoke from the open coal and peat fires.

I just love this word! And it’s one of the first Scottish words that I’ve picked up during our holidays here. It’s now definitly a part of my day-to-day language.

Translation: yes

Translation: thrilling conversation, good chat

We all love a bit of Scottish banter aka making fun of ourselves and the Scottish language. Some are really kiltn’ it …

Translation: small children

In the Western part (Glasgow …), you’ll more likely hear ‘weans’.

Translation: amazing, really cool, good-looking person

How to use it: ‘Who was that wee belter ye were chattin’ up there?’

-> ‘Who was this handsome guy you were chatting with just now?’

Oh bonnie Scotland! Do I need to say more?

Translation: beautiful

Also a very popular name in Scotland and my favourite female kitten name.

Translation: brilliant, pleasant, lovely

How to use it: ‘It’s a braw day for a dauner.’

-> ‘It’s a lovely day for a walk.’

Something we like to do in the winter, preferably next to a fire place with a cuppa or wee drum.

Translation: to snuggle, cuddle

How to use it: ‘It’s awfy dreich, a day fur coorieing in under the covers.’

-> ‘The weather is awfull, a day for snuggling under the covers.’

Translation: fool, silly, stupid

Also often used to describe a certain type of person.

Translation: don’t

Saying: ‘Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs.’

-> ‘Stop teaching someone something they already know.’

It has been voted ‘the most iconic’ Scottish word a couple of times already and indeed, you will come across it a lot. Especially, when we’re talking about the weather.

Translation: dreary, dull

How to use it: ‘It’s awfy dreich oot there the day.’

-> ‘It’s awfully dull outside today.’

Translation: hurry

Saying: ‘Haste ye back!’

-> ‘Come back/return soon’

Translation: a quick glance, a hasty look

How to use it: ‘Goan take a keek oot the windae.’

-> ‘Go and have a quick look out of the window’

Nae, we’re not talking about the name here.

Translation: to know

How to use it: ‘Words you dinnea ken’

-> ‘Words you don’t know’

Those two might sound familiar to you as they’re often used in old folk songs.

A well-known example is the song ‘Will Ye Go Lassie Go’ from the Corries.

Translation: young boy and girl

The counterpart to aye.

Translation: no

Example: Nae bother

Translation: pale, sicklym off-colour

How to use it: ‘I hear ye a wee bit peely-wally’

-> ‘I heard you’re not feeling well’

You have to admit, tattie sounds so much nicer than its English equivalent. Another one of those cute Scottish words.

Translation: potato

Example: tattie scone -> potato scone

So what does ‘wee’ mean then?

Well, it’s one of those words that is used in many ways. As per the Scottish dictionary:

‘Wee is a small measure, quantity or degree, of any thing or commodity, time or space. Also a little while, a short distance. Often used with other diminutive words: little wee, wee sma (early hours), teeny wee’

Most common translation: something small, tiny, little

Translation: be quiet, silence

Saying: ‘Haud yer wheesht’

-> ‘shut up …’

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