18 Braw Scottish Words & Their Meanings

It all began when the Angles invaded Britain in the fifth century, coming over from Angulus, an area around today’s Denmark and northern Germany. The Angles gave their name to England and English, but it wasn’t long before the language of Scots developed. Throughout the Middle Ages, Scots grew apart from English until it was a distinct language.

The language of Scots became dominant in Scotland. Scottish words and phrases were used by our kings and queens, in literary works, and in official records.

There are 4 main dialects, which bring together 10 sub-dialects roughly covering:

• Insular – Orkney and Shetland
• Northern – Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Angus
• Central – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee, Fife, Perthshire, Dumfries & Galloway
• Southern – Scottish Borders

Thanks to the 1690s poll tax, we can estimate that 750,000 people spoke Scots back then – around 70% of the population. We actually have more Scots speakers now – there were 1.5 million identified in the 2011 census, but that makes up 30% of the population.

Bahookie

Noun: buttocks or backside

If there’s a more musical way to describe the rear end, we’ve yet to find it.

In a sentence: “The wee yin fell right on his bahookie.”

In English: “The little one fell on his bum.”

Learn how to say 'bahookie'

Braw

Adjective: excellent or pleasant

From cuddly Highland coos to soaring, cloud-kissed summits, Scotland has no shortage of braw sights.

In a sentence: “It’s a braw day for a dauner.”

In English: “It’s a lovely day for a walk.”

Learn how to say 'braw'

Dook

Verb: to dip in liquid, especially in water

Fancy trying your hand at a dook? If you’re brave enough, you can take part in the aptly-named Loony Dook!

In a sentence: “Dook yer haun in the watter an see if it’s cauld.”

In English: “Dunk your hand in the water and see if it’s cold.”

Learn how to say 'dook'

Fankle

Verb: to entangle, a tangle or confusion

Whether describing shoelaces or situations, fankle is a fantastically versatile bit of language.

In a sentence: “Ma heidphones are aww fankled.”

In English: “My headphones are all tangled.”

Learn how to say 'fankle'

Glaikit

Adjective: stupid, foolish or thoughtless

As well as some beautiful phrases, Scots is a language filled with unusual insults.

In a sentence: “Dinnae be so glaikit – dae something!”

In English: “Don’t be so thoughtless – do something!”

Learn how to say 'glaikit'

Keek

Verb or noun: a hasty look, a stolen glance

Try to avoid ‘keeking’ during your travels in Scotland – the views deserve a longer look!

In a sentence: “Goan take a keek oot the windae.”

In English: “Go and have a quick look out of the window.”

Learn how to say 'keek'

Oxter

Noun: an armpit

In Scotland, you’re not busy, you’re ‘up to your oxters in it’.

In a sentence: “Him there, wae the jaikit tucked in his oxter.”

In English: “That man over there, with the jacket tucked in his armpit.”

Learn how to say 'oxter'

Peelie-Wally

Adjective: pale, off-colour or sickly-looking

Only in Scotland can looking unwell sound so whimsical!

In a sentence: “She’s looking awfy peelie-wally.”

In English: “She’s looking awfully pale.”

Learn how to say 'peelie-wally'

Sleekit

Adjective: sly or cunning

Sleekit is one of the best-known Scots words, thanks to our National Bard Robert Burns using it to describe a field mouse.

In a sentence: “Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie.”

In English: “Small, sly, cowering, fearful animal.”

Learn how to say 'sleekit'