A Guide to Scottish Slang: A Wee Bit of Culture with Your Shoes!
Scotland is a land rich in culture, history, and, of course, its own unique way of speaking! Whether you’re visiting, a proud Scot, or just fancy learning a few words, we’ve put together a list of classic Scottish slang terms to help you get into the spirit. And what better way to pair your love for Scottish footwear than with some of our finest expressions?
Aye (eye) – Yes
A classic Scottish response when you’re in agreement. Simple, yet effective.
Bairn (Bearn) – Child
If you hear someone talking about their ‘bairn,’ they’re referring to their little one.
Bampot (Bam-Pot) – Idiot
Use this when someone’s acting daft – just don’t say it to their face!
Bevvy (Bev-ee) – Alcohol
A common word for a drink, especially if you’re heading out for a wee swally.
Blutered (Blue-terd) – Very Drunk
When you’ve had one too many bevvies, you might find yourself blutered.
Boggin (Bog-inn) – Filthy
If something’s absolutely minging, it’s boggin.
Bonnie (Bon-nee) – Pretty
A well-known Scottish term for something or someone lovely.
Coo (Cooooo) – Scottish Highland Cow
One of Scotland’s most famous animals – and arguably the cutest!
Ceilidh (Kaleee) – Dance/Party
A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish gathering filled with music and dancing.
Crabit (Krab-it) – Grumpy
Woke up on the wrong side of the bed? You might be a bit crabit.
Dour (Dooor) – Glum
A term used for someone who’s looking a bit miserable.
Druth (Drewth) – Thirsty
After all that dancing at the ceilidh, you’ll be druth for a wee bevvy.
Eddjit (Ee-jit) – Idiot
A playful insult – but still best used with pals!
Fusty (Foo-Stee) – Mouldy
When something’s been sitting around too long and smells a bit off.
Galoot (Gal-Loot) – Idiot
A more affectionate way of calling someone a fool.
Greeting (Greet-ing) – Crying
If someone’s greeting, they’re not saying hello – they’re in tears!
Gubbed (Gub’d) – Beaten badly (used in sports)
If your team loses 5-0, they’ve been gubbed.
Guttered (Gut-turd) – Drunk
Another word for being absolutely steamin’ after a night out.
Gutties (Gut-tees) – Trainers
A great word to know if you’re shopping for shoes!
Hoachin (Hoe-chin) – Really busy crowd
When a place is packed, it’s hoachin with people.
Keech (Key-eech) – Bird droppings
Or just anything rubbish, really!
Ken (Ken) – I know
A common phrase used in everyday chat, e.g., ‘Ye ken wit a mean?’
Manky (Man-kee) – Dirty
If something’s manky, it needs a good clean.
Minging (Ming-inn) – Disgusting
Food, smells, or even a bad hangover can be minging.
Numpty (Nump-tee) – Idiot
Another great word to throw around in good company.
Scran (Sc-ran) – Food
After a long day, there’s nothing better than some good scran.
Schoogle (Shoe-gull-ay) – Wobbly
If your table is unsteady, it’s fair to say it’s schoogley.
Skreechin (Screechin) – Unpleasant noise
A noise so bad, it’ll make you cover your ears!
Sleekit (Slee-kit) – Sly
If someone’s being a bit sneaky, they’re sleekit.
Stookey (S-too-key) – Plaster cast for a broken arm/leg
If you take a tumble, you might end up in a stookey.
Swally (Swal-lee) – Drink
Another great word for a bevvy!
Wheesht (Whee-Sht) – Be quiet
A great way to tell someone to shush – but politely!
There you have it! A fine selection of words to add to your Scottish vocabulary. Whether you’re looking for new gutties or heading for a ceilidh, these phrases will keep you sounding like a true Scot. Now, go on, grab yourself a swally and enjoy some good scran – you’ve earned it!
Slàinte!