The Scots Language and Scottish Gaelic are peppered all throughout the Outlander series and, if you’re a fan, perhaps you already speak these Scottish languages without realising it.
Despite Gaelic being at threat of extinction and Scots (the tongue of the famous Robert Burns) facing a similarly stark decline, they are still officially seen as native languages of Scotland.
We’ve previously covered everyday Gaelic phrases in Outlander and even romantic expressions for all the Jamies and Claires of the world, but today we’re turning our attention to examples of Scots in the show.
If Scottish words and sayings like “stramash”, “gomeral” or “peely wally” have you scratching your head then carry on reading for thirteen Scots expressions in Outlander used by Jamie Fraser and his ‘teuchter’ crew.
5. Greet
Have you ever met someone you instantly disliked? In the Scottish context you may have had a true “meet and greet” in that case as “to greet” in Scots means “to cry”. Outlander is full of emotionally impactful scenes and the official channel for the show even has “try not to cry” video montages (missed opportunity to say “try not to greet”). Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Outlander
6. Wee Beasties
When speaking Scots, a “beastie” refers to an animal so a “wee beastie” is just the scaled down version i.e., an insect. According to the Dictionary of the Scots Language, the phrase “wee beasties” can even be used for small children (we would assume - or at least hope - in an affectionate way.) Photo: Francisco Pérez Andrés via Canva Pro
7. Daft
Fans of the show will remember the words “Dinna be daft, lass”. The Scots word means “stupid” so in the above picture you could say that the horse has a daft expression. The adjective becomes a noun with the term “dafty” which in Scots is - you guessed it - a term for a stupid person. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Outlander
8. Gomeral
If you’re feeling extra cultured in your Scots language endeavours then you can use this term in place of “dafty” (fool). A gomeral refers to an idiot but this word is not commonly used nowadays. That said, with other Scottish words like bampot, choob, doaty, dobber, or clot-heid, all available for calling someone stupid, you’re truly spoiled for choice. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Outlander