"They Talk Funny Here, but even FUNNIER in Scotland" - 5 Must Know Expressions

It's important to have dreams and one of my long-standing dreams had always been to have a Scottish boyfriend. And though I of course wanted said boyfriend to have all the qualities any good boyfriend would have, my special requirement was that accent! I wanted the luxury of hearing the rolling of the "r's" on a regular basis (and you know my name has at least 1!) And a couple years ago, I dated a chap for a while from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian (which is near Edinburgh).

But it's not only the accent that was different, they have unique expressions and vocabulary (I was referred to as "hen" and as his "burd"). So I asked him to help me put together this quick guide of 5 "must know" Scottish expressions. To achieve accent authenticity, John recommended you speak out of the corner of your mouth which works for me. As he often said when I would break out my Scottish accent, "If you close your eyes, it's like a Glaswegian is in the room speaking," (did I mention he was also sarcastic?)

John's 5 "Must Know" Scottish Expressions

1) "Chips gi'e ye plooks."

Translation: Eating too many chips (fries), will give you spots (pimples).

 

And while on the subject of food...

2) "A'm stappit fu.'"

Translation: I've eaten too much. 

or (if you're posh): It would appear that I may have allowed myself to become overserved.

 

3) "Geeza keek o' yer divit."

Translation: I would like to see you naked. (obviously a favorite of mine).

 

4) "Ye've got a face like a skelped erse."

Translation: Your face looks quite red

 or (if you're a bit more proper): It is quite warm in here, you appear to be rather flushed.

5) "Yer heid's aw mince."

Translation: Your thinking may be a little scrambled

Thanks to John for contributing to the blog today and let's all remember the Scottish motto which is not "FREEEEEEDOMMMMM" but is actually, "Nemo me impune lacessit" which in laymen terms (and rather bad grammatical terms too, if you ask me): "In My Defens God Me Defend."