So you love Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Perhaps you’ve visited Edinburgh, maybe Sean Connery is your favorite 007, and you may even have memorized some of Robbie Burns’s beautiful poetry. But how familiar are you with everyday language used in Scotland?

Come on, then! Grab your wellies (aka rain boots) and a pint of Irn Bru (Scotland's second national drink)—and get to know 10 of Scotland’s favorite words!

Aye

Aye is a versatile and widely used word for "yes" in Scottish dialects. For instance, if someone asks if you'll join them for dinner, you might respond with Aye, I’ll be there at seven. It can also express affirmation in statements like Och aye, that's a grand idea! (Och is Scottish English for "oh.")

Wee

Wee is a quintessentially Scottish word meaning small or little. You’ll often hear it used to add a touch of warmth to statements. For example, you might say I’ll have just a wee cup of tea to politely ask for some tea, or Take a wee break to suggest a short rest. Whether you’re describing a tiny object or a brief moment, wee brings a cozy, familiar feel to the conversation.

Dreich

Dreich is used to describe dreary, bleak, and often wet weather—so it comes in handy when discussing Scotland's famously unpredictable climate. You might use it to describe a particularly gloomy day by saying It’s awfy dreich, I’m just staying in! (Can you guess what awfy means here? “Awfully” or simply “very"!)

Blether

Blether is a lighthearted Scottish word meaning a chat or talk, typically long-winded or about inconsequential matters. You might use it to describe a pleasant conversation with friends, as in, We had a good blether over coffee. It can also refer to a person who talks a lot without necessarily saying much, so you could say Jimmy is such a blether, he could talk till the cows come home! And you can even use it as a verb, as in He blethered for ages! 

Loch

Loch is a term widely used in Scotland to refer to a lake or sea inlet. You probably know it from the famous Loch Ness, home to Nessie the water creature, but you can also use it in reference to any lake. So for example, you might say We went out on the loch in the boat or There’s a wee loch beside my house.

Bonnie

Bonnie is a Scottish term meaning attractive, beautiful, or pretty. You might know it from “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” who owed this nickname to his looks. But you can also use it to describe objects and other things, as in Your dress was awfy bonnie at the party! to compliment someone's attire, or You get a bonnie view from the top of that hill! 

Glaikit 

Glaikit is a cheeky Scottish term used to describe someone foolish, silly, or thoughtless. For instance, you might say Get that glaikit look off your face! to chide someone for looking bewildered. This word brings a touch of humor and expressiveness to the description of someone's demeanor.

Dinnae 

Dinnae is commonly used to mean “don’t.” You might hear Dinnae worry! to reassure someone, or Dinnae forget to lock up! (As in, “Don’t forget to lock the door!”)

Ken

Ken, a staple in Scottish dialects, means to know, understand, or be aware of. (If you know German, you’re probably familiar with the verb kennen, which is related to ken and has a similar meaning!) For example, you could say Ken what I mean? to check if someone understands you. This term combines naturally with dinnae, as in I dinnae ken what you’re on aboot, meaning “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Daft

Daft is another humorous word meaning silly, foolish, or senseless. You might use it in a lighthearted way, such as Dinnae be daft—of course you’re coming to the party! or to tease someone, as in What a daft idea! This adds a touch of affection and humor, making it a well-used part of everyday Scottish conversation.

*Ken* a wee bit more about *bonnie* Scotland through language!

These examples are just the tip of the linguistic iceberg in Scotland: In addition to Scottish English (the Scottish variety of English), you'll also find Scottish Gaelic (a Celtic language related to Welsh and Irish) and Scots (a Germanic language that's a close cousin of English). The next time you're in Scotland, listen for all the languages and unique expressions you're bound to encounter!