25 Scottish words that don’t have an equivalent in English and their meanings - from coorie to stramash
These words can’t be translated directly from Scottish to English - but they are wonderful
Scotland has a rich linguistic identity that's a direct result of the multitude of different peoples who have arrived, left, invaded, settled, traded, stayed and mixed over the centuries.
Scots is recognised as an indigenous language of Scotland, with over 1.5 million people reporting that they could speak it in the 2011 Census. Like its sister language Modern English, Scots descended from Middle English, but it is also heavily influenced by Scandinavian immigration in the 12th and 13th centuries, and even Parisan French due to the 'Auld Alliance' with France.
If you add the borrowing of words from Scottish Gaelic (which also survives to this day, mainly in the northern and western Highlands), then you have a real mixing pot of linguistic terms.
While all of this variety makes life more interesting, it can also cause confusion for any visitors to Scotland who have to quickly learn some of the uniquely Scottish words. So we’ve collected 25 of our favourite examples.
For even more fun stories relating to language, check out our dedicated words and meanings page, where you can find out why we say white rabbit on the first of the month, the meaning of the word woke, and also eight English idioms which have been used in K-pop songs.
Meaning: To snuggle up and get cosy and warm, usually enjoying the simple pleasures of life and slowing down a little.
Example: “It’s freezing - time to to coorie in.”
Meaning: To hesitate when addressing or recognising someone or something, possibly because you have forgotten the name.
Example: “I got so nervous about introducing you to this person that I completely tartled.”
Meaning: The time of day when light has faded but it’s not yet completely dark.
Example: “I walked home in the gloaming, just as the street lights were coming on.”
Meaning: Something is mouldy, stale, or has gone off.
Example: “This bread is looking a little foosty, I think it might be time to throw it away.”
Meaning: Something which is on the outside of something else, or beyond it.
Example: “This is something that is outwith our control and we can’t do anything about it.”
Meaning: The lock or other fastening on a door.
Example: “Did you put the snib on before you left the house?”
Meaning: A person, especially a young child, who is always telling on the behaviour of others.
Example: “That boy is known to be a bit of a clipe."
Meaning: To be unsure about the choice between two options.
Example: “My mother was was in a swither and pondered for ages over what to do.”
Meaning: To be extremely thirsty, usually either first thing in the morning or when you fancy going out for a drink.
Example: “I’ve got a real drouth, would you like to go to the pub?”
Meaning: Used to describe anything from a bit of commotion and disorder to a full-on brawl.
Example: “I heard there was a bit of a stramash at the concert at the weekend.”
Meaning: Talking about nothing in particular, usually for quite a long time.
Example: “I have no idea what they were haverin about, but I just stayed quiet.”
....