“Whit ye talkin’ aboot?”: A guide to getting by with Scots and Scottish slang

Written by Joe Monaghan, a Scottish Contiki Trip Manager

The Scots are known for a great many things. Our whisky, our inventions (you’re welcome) and of course our gorgeous Highlands. But one thing that is most commonly commented on is our accent and the unusual words we use.

You’d be forgiven for not understanding everything because in Scotland we have 3 languages; English, Scottish Gaelic, and Scots. English is of course the most common language, and Scottish Gaelic is only spoken by about 135,000 people, less than 3% of the country.

But Scots is a recognised language, and is actually older than English, which in turn has adopted some Scots words. Here’s a quick guide, from one of us, to getting by next time you’re chewing the fat with someone who is eerily reminiscent of Groundskeeper Willie.

How ye daein?

An easy one to start, ‘How are you doing?’ An informal greeting, usually met with ‘No bad, yersel?’ as we’ll never say somethings good, just that it’s not bad.

Wee

An easy one to start, ‘How are you doing?’ An informal greeting, usually met with ‘No bad, yersel?’ as we’ll never say somethings good, just that it’s not bad.

Slàinte mhath!

This means “Good health!” or “Cheers!” Pronounced “slanj-a va”, this is what you’ll say when you clink your whisky glasses and taste your first dram.

Aye, right

‘Yeah, sure’ (but I definitely don’t believe you).

Aye means yes (just think ‘aye aye captain,’ as if you were on a pirate ship.) Being the sarcastic people that we are, if you tell us you’re related to William Wallace or Robert the Bruce, this is probably the response you’ll get back.

Stoatin aboot

To wander around aimlessly. Whether you’re in Edinburgh’s historic city centre or in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, stoatin aboot is a great way to pass the time.

Peely wally

Pale, usually because of illness. Despite having some stunning beaches (like St Andrews, made famous in Chariots of Fire), we’re not known for our ability to withstand the sun. But peely wally is usually reserved for when you’re feeling under the weather, possibly because of too many whiskies the night before.

Hoachin

Means busy or full of people. If you come to Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival (the biggest arts festival in the world) then you can describe the city as hoachin. The population of the city can go from being 450,000 to as much as 1.5m people. 

Gie it laldy

Give it your all, go for it. When it’s your turn to sing 500 Miles on the karaoke, gie it laldy!

Scratcher

Your scratcher is your bed. You better hope that when your Trip Manager tells you its bags to coach, you’re not still in your scratcher!

Hurkle-durkle

To lounge in bed or sleep in when you should be up and about. As enjoyable as it may be, you don’t want to spend all your time hurkle-durkling in your scratcher when there’s so much to see and do.

Mony a mickle maks a muckle

Many small things add up to a large amount (like “every little helps”) Try saying that 5 times fast!

Yer jaikit’s on a shoogly peg

Translates to hanging by a thread, or literally ‘your coat on a wobbly hook.’ This would be said to someone who’s gotten themselves into a bit of trouble or precarious situation.

Haud yer wheesht

Be quiet, stop talking. Often reserved for those who make one too many boastful claims.

Glaikit

The facial expression one has when they are utterly confused. Possibly the one you have had readings these!

Sookin at the boord

A Highland phrase that sums up a great evening. When you’ve finished your dinner but everyone stays sat around the table having a braw (good) time talking (maybe even picking at leftovers) you are’ sookin at the boord.’

Lang may yer lum reek

“Long may your chimney smoke.” A traditional Scottish wish for health and prosperity, wishing the person a long life and good fortune.

Whilst there are literally hundreds more we could explore (maybe we’ll follow up with a part II) hopefully these phrases in your back pocket will have you chatting like a local in no time. I hope to see your bonnie faces in Scotland soon. Haste ye back!