In the past, we have asked our Scotsman readers for their favourite Scottish words (and sayings) and in doing so revealed a wealth of rich Scottish vocabulary including Scots words with totally different meanings in English and (naturally) weather terms e.g., “dreich”.
From Scottish Gaelic to Scots Leid and its dialects such as Doric, Scotland has a rich linguistic heritage which endures to this day. For example, you can find Gaelic phrases in the hit TV show Outlander and Scots Leid expressions too.
Meanwhile, it is well known that there are many mispronounced Scottish place names because these locations still have motifs of our heritage languages. So, all of this to say that Scotland provides a rich landscape for languages and that extends to our descriptions of human anatomy.
If terms like “cranniewanny”, “geggie” or “queets” are lost on you then continue reading for twenty-one Scottish words for body parts.
5. Crannie
You’ve heard of a pinky finger or even a “pinky winky”, now get ready for a crannie or a “cranniewanny”. This charming Scots word refers to your little finger e.g., your pinky. Photo: LightFieldStudios on Canva Pro
6. Lugs
As you can see, the dug’s got big lugs. The term “lugs” means “ears” in Scots Leid and you might hear it used with expressions like “clean your lugs out” if you’re not listening well. Photo: Fenne on Canva Pro
7. Shank
The term “shank” is used to refer to a leg. The phrase “Shank’s Pony” would refer to a poor man’s transport in pre-industrial Scotland. If you weren’t rich enough to buy a pony then you had to rely on your legs. Photo: RBerryphoto on Canva Pro
8. Oxter
This curious Scots word is used to describe an armpit. You can use it to express being busy with expressions like “I cannae relax today I’m oxter-deep in work I’ve no done.” Photo: Rachata Stock on Canva Pro