The hope for “taps aff” weather vs the expectation of the cold “dreich” cloudy weather. Scottish weather is always a big topic of conversation.
Cold, wet and windy is the the norm with Scotland but you can expect the ‘taps’ to be ‘aff’ when even a slight bit of sunshine shows it face. Who doesn’t love a Scottish summer when it comes around? However, predictably, the word “dreich” (Scots for grey, wet and damp weather) was voted the ‘most iconic Scots word’ a few years ago. No shock there then.
As per the University of Glasgow, there are 400 Scottish words for ‘snow’ and just over a hundred for ‘rain’, however, we have picked out the 37 best Scottish terms to describe Scotland’s beloved yet chaotic weather.
1. It’s blowing a hoolie
This phrase is reportedly derived from the Orkney Scots word "hoolan" which refers to a very strong wind. Photo: Kotenko_A via Canva Pro
2. The sun’s splitting the trees (or skies)
Something many of us have heard our Scottish grannies saying - it just means that it's a particularly sunny day outside. Photo: RussieseO via Canva Pro
3. Drookit
This refers to something being drenched or if your clothes are totally soaked through - if you find yourself drookit then you probably forget your umbrella. Photo: lastfallenangel via Canva Pro
4. The rain is God’s way o’ cleanin’ the coos
Although rain is culturally seen as 'depressing weather' this phrase reminds us that "every cloud has a silver lining" - what's miserable rain to you is a joyful shower for a Highland Coo. Photo: Gannet77 via Canva Pro