The 'top Scots and slang words' and phrases and their meanings unveiled
Scotland's top words and phrases have been named, with a list rounding up more than 40 terms. On Thursday, July 24, Cottages & Castles published a "wee guide to Scottish slang".
The experts rounded up a wide selection of words and phrases to "sound like a local", with a combination of words from the Scots language - which is sometimes incorrectly labelled a dialect - and general slang words across the country.
Among the 'basic' words included on Cottages & Castles' roundup are 'blether' and 'greet'. For those who are not aware, 'blether' refers to chat or gossip and 'greet' means 'to cry'.
Another 'basic' word included on the experts' guide is 'braw', which means 'great, fine or lovely'. Additionally, 'wee' means 'small or little'.
Meanwhile, Cottages & Castles also categorised some words and phrases under the banner of 'people and personalities'. These refer to terms for family members and others.
One of these words is 'da', which means 'dad'. On the other hand, 'bairn' refers to a child. Though those living in the west of Scotland are more likely to use 'wean'.
Another category of words and phrases on Cottages & Castles' roundup is 'everyday life in Scotland'. As the title suggests, these are terms that Scottish people use especially frequently.
Among the words are 'scran', which means 'food', and 'piece'—which refers to a sandwich. Meanwhile, 'messages' is used to mean 'groceries' and 'gaff' means 'home'.
With Scotland infamous for its unpredictable weather, the experts also rounded up a wide selection of words all about climate. While there are a few Scots words relating to heat and sun, unsurprisingly, many are to do with grey conditions.
One weather-related word included on the list is 'dreich', meaning 'miserable' or 'dreary'. Meanwhile, 'baltic' refers to freezing conditions and 'haar' is a term for a cold sea mist.
Finally, Cottages & Castles rounded up a number of Scottish insults. As expected, these are mainly used when angry or frustrated with another person.
Two Scots insults featured on the experts' list are 'numpty' and 'dafty', which are used to refer to a silly or clueless person. Another is 'eejit', which means 'idiot'.
Cottages & Castles wrote: "Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Glasgow or soaking up the charm of the Scottish Highlands, knowing a few choice words of Scottish slang can go a long way."
The experts added: "With the help of this guide, and maybe a Scots dictionary or two, you'll soon be slinging slang with the best of them. So, get comfy and let's have a wee blether about how to talk the talk in bonnie Scotland."
See below for the full list of Scottish "words to sound like a local". For more information, visit the Cottages & Castles website.
Top Scottish words and their meanings
Wee – small or little
Aye – yes
Naw – no
Braw – great, fine or lovely
Blether – chat or gossip
Ken – to know or understand
Dinnae – don't
Banter – playful conversation
Greet – cry
Crabbit – grumpy
Gallus – bold, cheeky, confident
Gutted – sad, disappointed, upset
Buzzin – excited, happy
Smashin' – excellent
Aff – in a bad mood
Steamin – drunk
Pure dead brilliant – extremely good
Chuffed – pleased or proud
Up the road – going home or to someone's place
Skint – broke, no money
Gaff – house or flat
Messages – groceries or shopping
Piece – sandwich
Scran – food
Nae bother – no problem/you're welcome
Dreich – miserable, grey, drizzly
Haar – cold sea mist
Baltic – freezing
Chuckin' it doon – raining heavily
Clarty – dirty or muddy
Sweatin' like a pig – hot and sweaty
Meltin' – overheating or uncomfortably warm
Tapps aff – tops off for when the sun comes out
Numpty – silly or clueless person
Bampot – eccentric or crazy individual
Rocket – daft or ridiculous person
Eejit – idiot (lovingly used)
Chancer – risk-taker or opportunist
Bam – loud person
Walloper – someone acting foolishly
Dafty – a light-hearted way of saying silly
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