Scots Word of the Week: Wheech (be quick or it will be gone)
In January 1948, the Forfar Dispatch used the term to depict the aftermath of fierce winds: 'The Granny [chimney cowl] on the lum-heid [on top of the chimney] gaed wheekin up ee air afore it fell throwe the sky-licht ee washin-hoose'.
The vagaries of the Scots' spelling dilemma are illustrated by Sheena Blackhall in Wittgenstein's Web (1996): 'I dinna recollect ae relation, stoppin mid-ben a spikk an wheekin oot a dictionar tae see gin a wird wis richt standart Scots or nae!'.
In 2000, the term appeared in Davie Kerr's A Puckle Poems: 'As the tourists wheech thro', they wad gey aften fail ti appreciate, caa'in it 'Sweet' Armadale.'
Of course, such a handy term remains in widespread use in the 21st century. Take this example from the Dundee Courier in December 2022 which perfectly captures the spirit of the post-Christmas period: 'Notes carefully written to thank absent, distant relatives for their kindness. Videos and photos taken to capture moments that would otherwise wheech past in the blink of an eye'.
Scots Word of the Week comes from Dictionaries of the Scots Language. Visit DSL Online at https://dsl.ac.uk
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact areas in Scotland set to bask in 20C temperatures before thunderstorms hit
Read on to find out where will see the warmest temperatures HEATING UP Exact areas in Scotland set to bask in 20C temperatures before thunderstorms hit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL areas across Scotland are set to bask in temperatures as high as 20C this week - before thunderstorms hit the country. Tropical air sweeping northwards has been forecast as balmy conditions are expected to bring thunder and lightning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Several areas across Scotland are set to bask in temperatures of up to 20C Credit: Alamy 6 Scots will be hit with sunshine before thunderstorms sweep in Credit: Alamy 6 The Met Office temperature map shows where the best of the weather will be The Met Office expect temperatures in the south of England to top 29C. Forecasters predict conditions to be muggier than the hot spell last month, with uncomfortable overnight temperatures potentially disrupting some people's sleep. But highs of around 20C to 21C are more likely across Scotland, according to the weather service. Scots will see the best of the sunshine tomorrow. The Met Office temperature map shows the areas across the country which will see the hottest weather. The majority of Scotland will feel a warm 14-16C from today until Thursday. But on Wednesday, for places such as Aberlour, in Moray, Perth, Glasgow and Dumfries will see an impressive 20C. Aberdeen will see highs of 16C tomorrow, with Edinburgh and Dundee seeing around 18 or 19C. On Wednesday evening, thundery showers will start to move in. Some western areas could see 20-40mm of rain over just a few hours as these intense downpours move through to the northeast, with frequent lightning for some. Brits warned 'don't drink beer' as 42C African heat plume strikes Spain Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: "After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. "These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south. "The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. "While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week." UK 5 day weather forecast Feeling warmer and more humid during the coming days. Today: Low cloud and patchy light rain across the south this morning, will become restricted to the far south during the afternoon. Otherwise increasing amounts of sunshine developing throughout today with morning showers tending to die out. Feeling warmer for many. Tonight: Dry for most tonight with variable cloud and clear spells. The clearest skies in the north, where it will turn chilly. Mild in the south though with some patchy fog. Wednesday: Morning low cloud across the south will burn away to leave a largely dry and sunny day for many, with a few showers in the west. Widely very warm. Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Very warm and humid on Thursday and Friday with the risk of some heavy and thundery downpours developing. Further heavy rain possible on Saturday, but feeling fresher from the south. Source: Met Office The thunderstorms and a wider area of showers will move north and east through Thursday, leaving more settled weather for a time through Friday for most. However, another band of thunderstorms moves in again from the south-west later Friday bringing further intense rainfall into the early hours of Saturday. The thunderstorms are being triggered by warm air moving in from the south. While there will be varying degrees of cloud cover across the UK, temperatures will build through the week. 6 On Wednesday evening, thundery showers will start to move in Credit: Alamy 6 Some western areas could see 20-40mm of rain over just a few hours Credit: Alamy Highs of 27C are forecast for Wednesday, 27C for Thursday with 29C possible by Friday down south. The highest temperatures are expected in southeast and central England. Mike added: "As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty. "This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. "Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people's sleep."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland to be blasted by 24C heat as miserable June set to be transformed by Saharan sizzler
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND is set to bask in glorious sunshine once again after having a soggy start to summer. Most of the country has experienced a miserable start to June with rain, grey skies and even some high winds over the last week. 4 Scots will be flocking to beaches this week as temperatures rise Credit: Alamy Live News 4 Highs of 24C are expected to blast the country by the weekend Credit: Mark Ferguson 4 The hot weather is rescuing the soggy start to summer Credit: Mark Ferguson 4 Weather maps have revealed the exact date the temperature will rise Credit: WXCHARTS And Scots have been itching for more sunshine after experiencing the warmest and sunniest spring on record in the UK. Luckily, weather maps have revealed that hotter temperatures are on the way to rescue the wet, damp summer. The week will start with rain and grim highs of 14C today after a gloomy weekend. But this is expected to start to change on Tuesday with brighter skies and sunny spells bringing warmer temperatures of 19C. This will continue on Wednesday and Thursday before high temperatures reaching the mid-20s arrive at the end of the week. Highs of around 24C are expected to blast the nation by 3pm on Friday - just in time for the weekend. 24C is expected in Scotland, with warm weather continuing into the weekend. And it looks to stay warm beyond then Brian GazE This will make Scotland as hot as Casablanca, Morocco, as showers ease and brighter spells arrive. It comes as a 14-day 800-mile-wide 'continental swelter' hits the UK, with skies clearing for a sunny run through next week. Hot air is blowing to Scotland from sizzling 40C heat in southern France and Spain. And the Met Office has predicted that the heat will remain until around June 25. Everyone can see the sun in this hot weather scene - but you're a genius if you can spot 5 differences in under 10 seconds Weather maps show that the south of Scotland will see highs of 22C and 23C by Friday afternoon. While temperatures around the central belt will be slightly lower, hovering around 20C and 21C. The east coast will enjoy more of the heat, with Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and Edinburgh all expected to experience highs of 23C. The west, however, will be notably chillier with highs of 16C in Stranrar, 19C in Ayrshire and 16 across the Western Isles. Those in the Highlands are set to have highs of 21C and 22C, dropping to 17C in areas further north around Wick. The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: '24C is expected in Scotland, with warm weather continuing into the weekend. "And it looks to stay warm beyond then.' A Met Office forecaster added: 'After a changeable mix of sunshine and showers, temperatures look set to rise. 'It will be widely warm or very warm, although with thunderstorms likely. 'The weekend becomes drier, before possibly brief rain, then high pressure sees the following week mainly dry and warm or very warm. UK 5 day weather forecast Today: After a bright start, skies will turn increasingly cloudy through the day. Rain will spread in from the west, moving across Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England and Wales. Staying dry and warm in the south. Tonight: Outbreaks of rain will continue in the north at first, but will gradually clear to the east in the early hours. Dry and cloudy in the south and increasingly windy. Tuesday: Cloudy for most at first on Tuesday, but skies will gradually brighten across northern areas. Cloudier in the south with drizzly showers, but also feeling humid, warm and breezy. Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Turning increasingly warm and humid, and feeling hot in the south. Plenty of dry and fine weather, but thundery showers will likely move northwards during Thursday and later on Friday. 'And the period from June 22 also begins with plenty of warm weather.' The Met Office's long-range weather forecast for the end of the month warns that the start of July could see more rain after a warm, dry spell. It states: "High pressure looks like being largely dominant at first, maintaining plenty of mainly dry and warm weather, but with variable cloud amounts. "However, although details are uncertain, late June and early July looks like becoming more changeable. "Spells of rain or showers are probable at times, some of which could be heavy and thundery. "Temperatures are likely to be a little above average overall, with brief hot spells possible."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Terrifying riptide dragged Scots couple out to sea after they saved young daughter
"Lewis was telling me he couldn't hold on any longer and he was going to die." A Scots mum was convinced she and her partner "were going to die" after nearly drowning during a terrifying beach outing where they were swept out by a powerful riptide. Kerry O'Hara, 38, and Lewis Patchatt, 36, were enjoying a sunny family day at Tyninghame Beach in East Lothian when the couple were suddenly pulled out to sea by strong currents while trying to rescue their daughter. The dramatic incident on Saturday, May 24, ended with Lewis being airlifted to hospital — and both adults left shaken and traumatised. As previously reported by the Record, the pair were saved thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking surfer who risked his own safety to pull them from the water. Kerry said: 'It was a beautiful day on this stunning beach, and myself, Lewis and the three kids were all having fun. The waves were a bit high, and it was a quite windy, but we were only in the sea up to our knees." The family was packing up to leave when her 12-year-old daughter went back into the water and quickly found herself out of her depth. "The next minute we heard her screaming and saying she was stuck," Kerry said. "Her feet couldn't touch the ground. 'I ran in with Lewis and managed to reach her. I passed her to a man who was on the beach, but then a very strong wave came up. I didn't see it until it was too late and a current took me away. When I calmed down and caught my breath, I found I'd been carried out a fair distance and I felt tired." Caught in a riptide and quickly growing exhausted, Kerry realised she was in serious danger. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Lewis came and got me, but the tide was going out and the waves were getting bigger. We fought to swim towards the beach, but we weren't getting anywhere. We were being dragged out. As panic set in, Kerry clung to Lewis as he began to go under. "Lewis was telling me he couldn't hold on any longer and he was going to die. He kept going under and I had to pull him back up. He was telling me he loved me and I should save myself. I was getting frantic because I couldn't leave him and there wasn't a way out." Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a surfer spotted the pair and paddled out to them, managing to get Lewis onto his board and bring them both back to shore. "The surfer had to struggle against the tide, but he reached us and got Lewis onto the board," Kerry continued. Minutes later, RNLI volunteers from Dunbar Harbour arrived to provide medical assistance before Lewis was airlifted by Coastguard helicopter to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He was treated for water in his lungs and later released. Riptides (or rip currents) are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from the shore. They're difficult to spot and can appear even in seemingly calm waters. If caught in one, experts advise not to fight the current, but to swim parallel to the shore until free. Kerry said she's now speaking out to warn others: "If the surfer wasn't there, I think we would've drowned. 'I hadn't seen any danger in the water. I only realised how much trouble I was in when I felt the strength of the current pulling at my legs. I would encourage everyone going to the beach to be aware of riptides and stay vigilant.'
