Learn How to Speak "Scots"
Introduction
Are you planning on moving to, visiting, or passing through Scotland? Or are you just curious about the Scottish dialect? If so, to help you on your journey I have produced twelve lessons (plus a special Friends’ Requests edition) to give you a basic understanding of some of the different pronunciation and meaning of Scottish slang.
You will discover in these lessons the different spelling of the same word between English and Scottish slang. It should be known that the spelling of slang words are used in the spoken language only and not written that way except to verbalise in a sentence.
The format for each lesson is the same. Each one covers a particular subject and will start with some words and phrases in English and then Scottish slang. Then we will put some of these words and phrases into sentences so that you can see how they are used in everyday life.
You will learn straightaway from the concise responses in the Speaking “Scots” lessons that compact statements are preferred to babbling on incessantly. An insight well worth remembering!
It is also vital to remember that correct pronunciation is the key to blending in with others who are Speaking “Scots”. Mispronunciation is the key to getting a pummelling.
I do hope you enjoy the lessons and start practicing the word pronunciations. You could even begin making up your own sentences or phrases. If you are, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.
You can either view the videos, then the written lessons, or vice-versa. Whichever way you personally find easiest.
Whichever way you choose I hope you enjoy learning to be a Speaking “Scot”.
Contents
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 1) An Introduction
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 2) Words in the 1st Person Singular
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 3) Insults and Fighting Talk
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 4) Hygiene, Cleanliness and Health
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 5) Questions, Enquires and Requests
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 6) Feelings or Personal Conditions
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 7)
Establishments Vending Alcoholic Beverages
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 8) Domestic and Residential Life
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 9) Negative, Positive and Indecision
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 10) Random favourites of mine
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 11) Criminal Activity and some Rubbish
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 12) Little Words with Big Meanings
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 12A) Friends’ Requests
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 1) an Introduction
WORDS AND PHRASES
● ABOUT is pronounced ABOOT
● ALL is AW
● AND is AN’
● DO is DAE
● FOR is FIR
● FROM is FAE
● HEAD is HEID
● HOME is HAME
● HOUSE is HOOSE
● I AM is AM
● NO is NAE (or NAW)
● NOT is NO
● OF with one F is OAF
● OFF with two FFs is AFF
● OLD is AULD
● ON is OAN
● ONE is WAN
● OUR is OOR
● OUT is OOT
● OVER is OWER
● SMALL (or LITTLE) is WEE
● THE is RA’
● TO is TAE
● YES is AYE
RANDOM SENTENCES
So for the very first sentence, in reply to a question;
“No chance of that happening Thomas”
● NAE CHANCE TAM
NAE can also be used in a positive way;
“It is no trouble to do that”
● IT’S NAE BOTHER
For the word NO we can also use the word NAW. Which is used when a more firm and final negative response is required!
“No, I guarantee it will never happen in my life time”
● NAW, IT AIN’T HAPPENING, EVER
“All for one and one for all”
● AW FIR WAN AND WAN FIR AW
“Would you like to accompany me over to old Tam’s house?”
● FANCY GOIN’ TA AULD TAM’S HOOSE?
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 2) Words in the 1st Person Singular
WORDS AND PHRASES
● AREN’T I? is pronounced AMEN’T AH?
● DID I? is DID AH?
● I AM is AH UM (or AH AM)
● I AM NOT is AM NO (or AH AM NAE or AMURNY)
● I’M ALL RIGHT is AM AWRITE
● I DON’T KNOW is AH DINNAE KEN (or I DUNNO)
● I KNOW is ANNO (or AH KEN)
● I WAS NOT is AH WISNAE
● NO I AM NOT is NAW AH UMNAE
RANDOM SENTENCES
“I am rather hungry at the moment”
● AH UM (or AH AM) STARVING
“I am not returning to that place ever again”
● AM NO (or AH AM NAE or AMURNY) GOING BACK THERE, EVER
“I was not present at that location”
● AH WISNAE THERE
“I’m a good friend, aren’t I?”
● AM A GOOD PAL AMEN’T AH?
“I know the meaning of life”
● ANNO (or AH KEN) EVERYTHING
“I don’t know anything about that”
● AH DINNAE KEN (or I DUNNO) HEEHAW
“No I am not best pleased about that situation”
● NAW AH UMNAE HAPPY ABOOT THAT
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 3) Insults and Fighting Talk
This time we are looking at; insults and fighting talk. Nobody does insults or gauntlet throwing better than the Scots.
WORDS AND PHRASES
● TELLING SOMEONE TO GET LOST is AWAY AN’ BILE YER HEID
● WHEN YOU DON’T BELIEVE SOMETHING YOU ARE TOLD in a sarcastic voice you respond AYE RIGHT!
● AN IDIOT OR UNHINGED PERSON is A BAMPOT (or HEID-THE-BAW)
● SOMEONE ACTING LIKE AN IDIOT AND ANNOYING EVERYONE is A BAWBAG (or A BAWHEID)
● A CHALLENGE TO A FIGHT this is well worth being aware of as it is quite a short invitation; MON THEN
● THE FIGHT ITSELF is A RAMMY
● YOU'RE NOT BEING TRUTHFUL is YER AT IT
● A SYMPATHETIC TERM FOR A LOVABLE IDIOT is NUMPTY
RANDOM SENTENCES
“I require that in this instance you get lost”
● AWAY AN’ BILE YER HEID
“That chap over there seems to be an idiot and acting like an unhinged person”
● THAT’S A BAMPOT OWER THERE STAY AWAY FAE HIM
“Why are you acting like an idiot and annoying everyone?”
● YOU’RE A BAWBAG PACK IT IN
“Based on your attitude towards me I challenge you to a fight”
● MON THEN (as stated earlier this is a short request but with far reaching consequences)
“I have to disagree as I consider you are not being truthful”
● YER AT IT
Remember that concise responses in compact statements are preferred to babbling on incessantly.
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 4) Hygiene, Cleanliness and Health
WORDS AND PHRASES
● DIRTY (as in a person) is CLATTY
● VERY DIRTY is MAUCHIT (or MANKY)
● HORRIBLE, (DIRTY or SMELLING) is MINGIN’
● SMELLY (or DIRTY) can also be BOGGIN’
● AN INJURED SECTION OF THE BODY (usually a limb)is GAMMIE
● A SORE PART OF THE BODY is said to be GOWPIN
● A VERY SORE PART OF THE BODY is LOUPIN
● SOMEONE UNWELL, LACKING NATURAL COLOUR OR EXPOSURE TO SUNSHINE is said to be PEELY WALLY
● A DAY OR A PERSON THAT IS VERY WARM (or BOILING) is said to be SWELTERING (This word is very rarely used here in Scotland so it is unlikely you will hear it used)
RANDOM SENTENCES
“See that young man over there he is emitting a rather unpleasant odour”
● SEE HIM OWER THERE HE’S MINGIN’
“This room of yours is rather untidy”
● YOUR ROOM IS MANKY
“That chap has a rather dirty and smelly attire on”
● SEE HIM, HIS CLAES ARE BOGGIN’
“I’ve sustained a small painful injury to my leg”
● AH’VE GOT A GAMMIE LEG AND IT’S GOWPIN
“You look rather unwell and pale today”
● YOU’RE AWFY PEELY WALLY LOOKIN’ THE DAY
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 5) Questions, Enquires and Requests
WORDS AND PHRASES
● ALL THE BEST is spoken as AW RA’ BEST
● CAN NOT is CANNAE
● GIVE IT TO ME is GIES
● GOING TO NOT DO THAT, PLEASE is GONNAE NO DAE THAT
● HOW ARE YOU DOING? is HOU'S IT GAUN?
● ISN'T IT? is INT IT (or INT IT NO?)
● LET'S GO or PLEASE TALK SENSE is CUMMOAN
● STOP TALKING or BE QUIET is HAUD YER WHEESHT (or in some senarios only WHEESHT is required to obtain silence)
● WHAT ARE YOU UP TO? is YUPTAE
● WHY NOT? is HOW NO'?
RANDOM SENTENCES
“All the best to you”
● AW RA’ BEST
“Give that item of clothing to me”
● GIES IT
“Going to not do that, please, it’s annoying”
● GONNAE NO DAE THAT
“And how are you doing today?”
● HOU'S IT GAUN?
“Could you please talk sense, I cannot understand your point”
● CUMMOAN
“I would like you to stop talking and keep quiet”
● HAUD YER WHEESHT
“What are you up to today?
● YUPTAE
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 6) Feelings or Personal Conditions
WORDS AND PHRASES
● IF YOU ARE ANGRY (or IN A BAD MOOD) then you are CRABBIT
● A BIG SOFTIE is a SOOK
● FEELING DISGUSTED (or BORED) then you are SCUNNERED
● IF YOU ARE DRUNK then you are SMEEKIT (or STEAMIN’)
● BEING SLY (or UNTRUSTWORTHY) you are being SLEEKIT
● SOAKING WET (or DRENCHED) is DROOKIT
● TO BE SCARED is to be FEART
● TO CRY is to GREET
● BEING VERY ANGRY you are BEELIN’
● BEING VERY DRUNK one would be seen as BEING BLOOTERED
● IF YOU ARE VERY VERY DRUNK then YER OOT YER FACE
RANDOM SENTENCES
“I can’t believe how angry he is today. Normally he’s such a big softie”
● AMAZED AT HOW CRABBIT HE IS THE DAY. NORMALLY HE’S SUCH A BIG SOOK.
“One is feeling so bored today”
● AH’M REALLY SCUNNERED THE DAY
“I think he is rather scared and he has now started to cry”
● SEE HIM, HE’S A BIG FEARTY. NOO HE’S GREETING AS WELL.
“He’s just so sly and totally untrustworthy”
● AYE HE’S A SLEEKIT WAN THAT WAN
“I got caught in a rather heavy rain shower and now I’m soaking wet”
● AH’M DROOKIT
“That young man over there appears to be very drunk”
● SEE HIM HE’S BLOOTERED
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 7) Establishments Vending Alcoholic Beverages
WORDS AND PHRASES
● A MEASURE OF WHISKY is a HAUF
● SERIOUS INSULT being called a PIE
● DRINK is BEVY
● FULL is HOACHIN’
● A GAMING MACHINE is a PUGGY
● A LUCKY PERSON, USUALLY UNFAIRLY SO is someone who is JAMMY
● A SILLY, FOOLISH PERSON (but said in an affectionate sentimental way) is A DAFTY
● TO TALK NONSENSE (or GIBBERISH) is to HAVER
● SOMEWHERE THAT IS VERY BUSY is HEAVIN’
● TO GET A TAKE AWAY OF ALCOHOLIC DRINK (or FOOD) is a KERRY OOT
● WATER is WA’TER
RANDOM SENTENCES
“Barman could I have a whisky please?”
● A HAUF MATE
“This establishment is rather busy”
● THIS PLACE IS HOACHIN’ (or HEAVIN’)
“He’s been very lucky on that gaming machine”
● SEE HIM OAN THE PUGGY HE’S BEEN REALLY JAMMY
“Sorry you are not making any sense”
● SEE YOU, YOU’RE HAVERING
“I’m going to get some wine and beer from the off licence”
● AM AWAY TO GIT A KERRY OOT
“Could I have some water please?”
● GIES SOME WA’TER... QUICK (please be aware that this is only ever requested in a Scottish bar if there is a fire)
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 8) Domestic and Residential Life
WORDS AND PHRASES
● A DOG is A DUG
● A SANDWICH is A PIECE
● ANY HOUSING ESTATE is known as A SCHEME
● CLOTHES are CLAES
● DUST is STOOR
● ELECTRICITY is LECKY
● FOOTBALL is FITBA
● GLASGOW is GLESGAE
● THE JOB CENTRE is THE BROO
● MOVE HOUSE is to FLIT
● POTATOES are TATTIES
● REFERRING to SOMEBODY'S HOUSE is THEIR BIT
● SHOPPING is the MESSAGES
● SOMEONE FROM GLASGOW is a WEEGIE
● STAY (or LIVE) is to BIDE
● WINDOW is a WINDAE
RANDOM SENTENCES
“When you go for your interview at the Job Centre remember to wear some respectable clothing”
● IF YIR GOING TO THE BROO PUT OAN SOME CLAES THAT URNAE COVERED IN STOOR, LIKE USUAL
>> “I’m going for some shopping would one like anything?”
● AM AWAY FIR THE MESSAGES DAE YOU WA’NT ANYTHING?
>> “Yes, can you get me a nice sandwich for my lunch break, some potatoes and food for the dog please. Oh and can you pay the electric bill as well”
● AYE, GET ME SOME PIECES FUR MA WORK, SOME TATTIES AND DUG FOOD. YOU MIGHT AS WELL PAY THE LECKY WHILE YIR OOT.
>> “Would you like to come with me to Thomas’s house?
● WANNA GO TAE TAM’S BIT?
>> “Where does Thomas stay?”
● WHERE DOES TAM BIDE?
>> “He has recently moved house and is now living in Glasgow although he says he is definitely not a Glaswegian”
● HE’S FLITED TAE GLESGAE ‘THOUGH HE DISNAE LIKE BEING CALLED A WEEGIE
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 9) Negative, Positive and Indecision
WORDS AND PHRASES
● DON'T is DINNAE
● IS NOT is ISNAE
● MORE is MAIR
● MOST is MAIST
● MAYBE (or PERHAPS) is MIBAY
● NOTHING (or EMPTY) is HEEHAW
● REMEMBER? is MIND?
● UNDERSTAND? is UN’ERSTAUN?
● WANT TO? is WANTAE?
● WHAT? is WHIT?
● WE ARE is WUR
RANDOM SENTENCES
Some short questions to start with….
“Remember when we went to the Isle of Skye?”
● DAE YOU MIND GOIN’ TO SKYE?
“Would you want to go out for a meal tonight?”
● WANTAE EAT OOT THE ‘NIGHT?
“What are you saying?”
● WHIT’S THAT?
“Please don’t ask again. Do you not understand that I have nothing at the moment to give you as we have no ready cash available?”
● DINNAE ASK AGAIN. AH’VE GOT HEEHAW, AN YOU NO WUR SKINT. UN’ERSTAUN?
“Perhaps it’s not the most enjoyable meal I have ever eaten, but it is reasonably priced”
● MIBAY IT ISNAE THE MAIST TASTY GRUB BUT IT’S CHEAP
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 10) Random Favourites of Mine
This time we are looking at; random favourites of mine, and hopefully yours, once you have read them.
WORDS AND PHRASES
● SPIN is to BIRL
● TO MESS ABOUT WITH SOMETHING is to FOOTER
● A QUICK AND SHORT WAY OF GETTING SOMEONES ATTENTION is HAW
● HOLD (or STOP) is HAUD
● WOBBLY is SHOOGLY
● TO STAND is to STAUN
● TO BORROW MONEY FROM SOMEONE is to TAP
● REFERENCE TO A TOP SUCH AS A FOOTBALL SHIRT is A TAP
● TOPS OFF DUE TO THE SUN MAKING A RARE APPEARANCE is the rarely heard TAPS AFF
● AN ARTICLE (or WHEN YOU REFER TO SOMEONES NAME YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN) is THINGMAE
● SMALL (or TINY) is TOATY
● TOMORROW MORNING is THE MORRAS MORN
RANDOM SENTENCES
“Will you stop messing about with that thing? What ever it is, and please stand still”
● HAW HAUD ON. STOP FOOTERING ABOOT WAE THAT THINGMAE AND STAUN STILL
“It’s just a tiny bit wobbly but it will need repaired tomorrow morning at the latest”
● THAT’S A TOATY BIT SHOOGLY IT’LL NEED FIXED THE MORRAS MORN
Now I will relate to you a true story…
During a court case the defendant said that he went round to Tam’s house for a “TAP”. The judge asked why he went to someone’s house for a faucet.
The defence lawyer then said light heartedly that the reference to a TAP was not in this case a faucet but translates to “borrow money”.
The defendant interrupted and said “It wisnae that kind of TAP”. Puzzled looks all round the court. Then the judge asked “what kind of TAP was it then?” The defendant replied “A went roon’ tae Tam’s to borrow a fitbaw TAP to wear to the match”
I have mentioned this tale to demonstrate to you how the same slang word can have a number of different meanings. Something you should remain very aware of.
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 11) Criminal Activity and Some Rubbish
WORDS AND PHRASES
● A GRASS OR TELL-TALE is a CLYPE
● BEATING SOMEONE UP is A DOIN’
● BREAK OR DISFIGURE is to PAN
● KNOCK OVER (or a LANDFILL SITE) is a COWP
● RUBBISH PILE (or A TIP) is a MIDDEN
● THE POLICE are the POLIS
● TO BE ARRESTED BY THE POLICE is to be LIFTED
● TO BE DRUNK (or to VANDALISE) is TANNED
● TO BEAT UP is TO BATTER
● TO SMASH WINDOWS is to TAN
RANDOM SENTENCES
“That chap over there is well known for informing on people to the police”
● SEE HIM OWER THERE HE’S A POLIS CLYPE
“I think that your house could do with a little light cleaning”
● YOUR BIT IS A COWP
“You have accumulated a rather large pile of rubbish in your front garden”
● YER GERDAN’S A MIDDEN
“You know that you better leave quickly or you are going to be arrested by the police for smashing all those windows”
● WATCH OR YUR GONNA BE LIFTED BY THE POLIS FOR TANNING IN THEY WINDAES, YOU BETTER VANISH MAN
“I would caution that if that chap does not quieten done then he will be on the receiving end of a battering”
● IF HE DISNAE SHUT UP HE’S GETTING A DOIN’
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
Speaking “scots” (Lesson 12) Little Words With Big Meanings
Sadly the last of twelve easy learning guides to Speaking “Scots”.
WORDS AND PHRASES
● AWFULLY is AWFY (or AFFY)
● COLD is CAULD
● DEAD is DEID
● DOWN is DOON
● GOING (or GO ON) is GAUN
● GOOD is GID
● GOT is GOAT
● HAND is HAUN
● HEAD is NAPPER
● PUTTING is PITTIN’
● TO SLEEP (or to NAP) is to HAVE A KIP
● TO SMELL BAD is to REEK
RANDOM SENTENCES
“That’s a rather good looking hat that he has got on his head”
● SEE HIM HE’S GOAT AN AWFY GID LOOKING HATON HIS NAPPER
“Those flowers give off an awfully powerful aroma”
● THEY FLUERS REEK SOMETHING AWFY
“He’s a rather dirty unhygienic person”
● SEE HIM HE’S CLATTY
“Does one need a hand putting together that self assembly wardrobe?”
● NEED A HAUN PITTIN’ THAT AW THE ‘GETHER?”
“His body temperature is rather low do you consider that he may be dead”
● HE’S AWFY CAULD DO YOU THINK HE’S DEID?
“Do you wish to go for an afternoon nap, mum?”
● ARE YOU GAUN FIR A KIP MA?
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
SPEAKING “SCOTS” (Lesson 12A) Friends’ Requests
A wee special friends’ requests episode in addition to the previous twelve learning guides to Speaking “Scots”.
WORDS AND PHRASES
● A BAD ONE is A BADYIN
● A HUNDRED is HUNNERS (you will be more likely to find this used as an exaggeration for any number over 15)
● A TURNIP is A TUMSHIE
● HAVE NOT is HUVNAE
● IN (as in being at home or being in a room in the house) is BEN
● NICE (or GREAT) is BRAW
● AN OLD PERSON is AN AULDYIN (be aware that this is normally used to relate to anyone over 35)
● OWN is AIN
● THE BACK OF ANYTHING is THE BACK A’
● THERE IS A is ERRA
● TO DROP is TO DRAP
● TO HANG is TO HING
● TO KNOW is TO KEN
● TO WALK SLOWLY is to DAUNER
● TOLD is TELT
● YOU is YI’
● YOUR is YIR
RANDOM SENTENCES
“I already advised you that if you carried it that way that you would end up dropping your turnip”
● SEE, TELT YI’ IF YI’ KERRIED YOUR TUMSHIE THAT WAY THAT YI’ WID DRAP IT.
“Is one aware that at the back of the kitchen door there is a small arachnid hanging from its web?”
● DID YA KEN THAT AT THE BACK A’ THE SCULLER DOOR ERRA TOATY SPIDER HINGING FAE ITS WEB?
“I have told you a hundred times that I have not got all day to wait for you so please stop walking so slowly”
● TELT YI’ HUNNERS OF TIMES A’ HUVNAE GOT AW DAY TO WAIT FIR YI’ SO STOP DAUNERING.
“That old person standing at the bus stop is known locally as a rather bad chap”
● STAY AWAY FAE THAT AULDYIN STAWNING AT THE BUS STOP HE’S A BADYIN.
“Has one ever frequented that museum? It is rather grand”
● YOU BEEN BEN THAT STOORY PLACE? IT’S BRAW.
Thank You, and until we speak “Scots” again. Aw ra’ best.
An Invitation
If you are watching some of our Speaking “Scots” videos on our oldwolfcottage channel on YouTube whilst on the channel please also watch and listen to our songs; “Old Friend” (by Arctic Wolf), “My World, Our World, One World” (by Forevermore) “Mama Used to Say” (by Christmas Past) “The Last Question” (by Arctic Wolf) “Rainbow Obsidian” (by Arctic Wolf). Thank You. Brian and Valerie.
Copyright
The contents of this article were written by BH McKechnie and VHM McKechnie who equally own the literary copyright and have the sole authority and rights to licence and allow: copying, issuing, lending, renting, performing, showing, or broadcasting of this publication. The stated owners of the content also have the right to equitable remuneration.
An Invitation
We would appreciate it if you would please let us know what you think of this article. Thank You. Brian & Valerie.
BH & VHM McKechnie © 2017/2018
