The 'top Scots and slang words' and phrases and their meanings unveiled

Experts have shared a "wee guide to Scottish slang"

Scotland's top words and phrases have been named, with a list rounding up more than 40 terms. On Thursday, July 24, Cottages & Castles published a "wee guide to Scottish slang".

The experts rounded up a wide selection of words and phrases to "sound like a local", with a combination of words from the Scots language - which is sometimes incorrectly labelled a dialect - and general slang words across the country.

Among the 'basic' words included on Cottages & Castles' roundup are 'blether' and 'greet'. For those who are not aware, 'blether' refers to chat or gossip and 'greet' means 'to cry'.

Another 'basic' word included on the experts' guide is 'braw', which means 'great, fine or lovely'. Additionally, 'wee' means 'small or little'.

Meanwhile, Cottages & Castles also categorised some words and phrases under the banner of 'people and personalities'. These refer to terms for family members and others.

One of these words is 'da', which means 'dad'. On the other hand, 'bairn' refers to a child. Though those living in the west of Scotland are more likely to use 'wean'.

Another category of words and phrases on Cottages & Castles' roundup is 'everyday life in Scotland'. As the title suggests, these are terms that Scottish people use especially frequently.

Among the words are 'scran', which means 'food', and 'piece'—which refers to a sandwich. Meanwhile, 'messages' is used to mean 'groceries' and 'gaff' means 'home'.

With Scotland infamous for its unpredictable weather, the experts also rounded up a wide selection of words all about climate. While there are a few Scots words relating to heat and sun, unsurprisingly, many are to do with grey conditions.

One weather-related word included on the list is 'dreich', meaning 'miserable' or 'dreary'. Meanwhile, 'baltic' refers to freezing conditions and 'haar' is a term for a cold sea mist.

Finally, Cottages & Castles rounded up a number of Scottish insults. As expected, these are mainly used when angry or frustrated with another person.

Two Scots insults featured on the experts' list are 'numpty' and 'dafty', which are used to refer to a silly or clueless person. Another is 'eejit', which means 'idiot'.

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Cottages & Castles wrote: "Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Glasgow or soaking up the charm of the Scottish Highlands, knowing a few choice words of Scottish slang can go a long way."

The experts added: "With the help of this guide, and maybe a Scots dictionary or two, you’ll soon be slinging slang with the best of them. So, get comfy and let’s have a wee blether about how to talk the talk in bonnie Scotland."

See below for the full list of Scottish "words to sound like a local". For more information, visit the Cottages & Castles website.

Top Scottish words and their meanings

1. Wee – small or little
2. Aye – yes
3. Naw – no
4. Braw – great, fine or lovely
5. Blether – chat or gossip
6. Ken – to know or understand
7. Dinnae – don’t
8. Banter – playful conversation
9. Greet – cry
10. Crabbit – grumpy
11. Gallus – bold, cheeky, confident
12. Gutted – sad, disappointed, upset
13. Buzzin – excited, happy
14. Smashin’ – excellent
15. Aff – in a bad mood
16. Steamin – drunk
17. Pure dead brilliant – extremely good
18. Chuffed – pleased or proud
19. Up the road – going home or to someone’s place
20. Skint – broke, no money
21. Gaff – house or flat
22. Messages – groceries or shopping
23. Piece – sandwich
24. Scran – food
25. Nae bother – no problem/you’re welcome
26. Dreich – miserable, grey, drizzly
27. Haar – cold sea mist
28. Baltic – freezing
29. Chuckin’ it doon – raining heavily
30. Clarty – dirty or muddy
31. Sweatin’ like a pig – hot and sweaty
32. Meltin’ – overheating or uncomfortably warm
33. Tapps aff – tops off for when the sun comes out
34. Numpty – silly or clueless person
35. Bampot – eccentric or crazy individual
36. Rocket – daft or ridiculous person
37. Eejit – idiot (lovingly used)
38. Chancer – risk-taker or opportunist
39. Bam – loud person
40. Walloper – someone acting foolishly
41. Dafty – a light-hearted way of saying silly