35 Scottish Sayings That Confuse Americans

| © Kate Williams/Flickr
Tori Chalmers

The Scots are expert purveyors of words. When in doubt, they always have this uncanny ability to talk the hind legs off a donkey. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; in Scotland, the opposite reigns true. A few simple words can result in the most in-depth image being imprinted into the mind for all eternity. So that yer heid isnae full o mince, haud yer wheesht, and tak a wee gander at some braw Scottish sayings that you need to start using.

Ye look like wan o’clock half struck.

Translation: You only look half awake. Inject yourself with caffeine.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Yer heid’s in a fankle.

Translation: You seem awfully confused.

That’s Jock’s news.

Translation: Tell me something new. That’s so last season.

Ye look like the cat’s elbow.

Translation: My word, you are far too skinny. Eat a pie.

Wheesht yer puss.

Translation: Be quiet, shut up, and stop talking. Do you not know that silence is golden?

Face Palm

Twelve herrings an’ a bagpipe mak a rebellion.

Translation: That is an over exaggeration.

Ye look like something the cat dragged in.

Translation: What on earth are you wearing? Did you sleep last night? You look like a disheveled mess.

Ye’ve goat a face like cake left oot in the rain.

Translation: Your face is getting wrinkled and worn. Invest in some good anti-ageing cream.

He’s a tattie-lugged loon.

Translation: That boy has rather large ears bestowed upon him.

A lie is half-way roon Scotland afore the truth has its boots oan.

Translation: News travels fast. Be careful what you say.

Aye Right!

Translation: I simply don’t believe it. Yeah, right.

Wur youse vaccinated wi’ a gramophone needle?

Translation: Wow. You really don’t stop talking. Ever.

Yer doin’ ma heid in!

Translation: Shut up. Stop talking. You are the epitome of annoying.

Haud Yer Wheesht.

Translation: Please stop talking ASAP.

Yer aw bum an’ parsley.

Translation: You are rather big headed and hold yourself in high regard.

Wur tearin’ the tartan.

Translation: We are having a right old gossip and chatting the day away.

Hit that wi’ a tattie.

Translation: My word, that is quite posh.

Yon’s twa-faced an’ nane of them’s pretty.

Translation: That two-faced so-and-so has some nerve. They cannot be trusted one bit.

Yer heid’s full o’ mince.

Translation: You are talking a load of nonsense. Your head is in the clouds.

Ah’m fair scunnered.

Translation: I am totally fed up.

Birds an’ blethers baith fly.

Translation: News travels fast.

Better tae bust oot than rust oot.

Translation: Live every moment of life to the absolute fullest before you die.

When the dram’s inside the sense is ootside.

Translation: Alcohol loosens you up and sheds all inhibitions.

Gae’s a wee swally.

Translation. Please may I have a small sip of your drink?

Is the cat deid?

Translation: Why are your trousers so short?

Help ma boab.

Translation: I am rather surprised right now.

That maks ye look like a tattiebogle.

Translation: Wow — you look like a scarecrow when you wear that outfit.

It’s awfa difficult choosin’ between twa clean coos.

Translation: They all look the same.

Who stole yer scone?

Translation: Why are you so upset?

It’ll be a skoosh.

Translation: Don’t worry. It will be so easy.

Yer talkin’ mince withoot a tattie in sight.

Translation: Are you serious? Every word uttered from your mouth is nonsense.

Ya muckle gype.

Translation: You are a massive idiot. You tool.

Yer a half-melted welly?

Translation: You aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed, are you?

Yer ma wee chookie hen.

Translation: You are the apple of my eye and so special to me.

Clerty clerty.

Translation: Goodness me.

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