35 Scottish Sayings That Confuse Americans
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.
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?
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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