Scottish words and sayings, combined with a world-famous accent, can easily make the English used here sound like a totally separate tongue. It aptly reflects the fact that Scotland historically never had one uniform language spoken by all its ancestors (and to this day we still have languages like Scots and Scottish Gaelic.)
In the Scottish Highlands you were more likely to encounter Gaelic once upon a time while in the lowlands Scots was preferred.
We asked our Scotsman readers what “their favourite Scottish saying is” and they offered spectacular answers from “yer lookin’ peely wally” (you look sick) to the classic “whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye” (what’s meant to be will be!)
These are forty of Scotland’s favourite Scottish sayings and phrases as voted by our Scotsman readers.
5. Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs!
This means that you shouldn't teach someone something that they already know, particularly if you're doing so condescendingly. In this case with her old age it should be expected that your granny knows how to suck an egg! Photo: SandraMatic via Canva Pro
6. Lang may yer lum reek
This literally means "long may your chimney smoke" and it is a common Hogmanay greeting used to wish someone good health. Photo: anyka via Canva Pro
7. I’ll gie ye a skelpit lug!
Another useful Scots word is "skelp" which is like a "smack", so if you're giving someone a "skelpit lug" then you're going on the assault towards their ear. Photo: Gerville via Canva Pro
8. Haud yer horses
"Haud yer horses" is the same as saying "hold your horses" i.e., take your time before making a hasty decision. Photo: simonkr via Canva Pro