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.
21. Kittle
When it is said the wind is "beginning to kittle" that means the wind is beginning to rise. Photo: grimnoire via Canva Pro
22. Never cast a cloot til May is oot
Cloot is an old Scots word that refers to clothing, basically this phrase is a reminder to not throw away your winter clothes until May (literally) i.e., don't be too hasty to chuck your warm clothes since the weather could take a bad turn again. Photo: anatols via Canva Pro
23. Sneesl
Sneesl refers to the time where it begins to lightly snow (or rain) before it becomes heavier. Photo: Reptile8488 via Canva Pro
24. Bullet Staines
If you've ever been hit in the face by a hailstone then you'll know why the Scots refer to them as bullet staines i.e., bullet stones - they hit hard! Photo: Linda Jo Heilman via Canva Pro