35 Scottish Sayings and Meanings That Confuse Tourists

The Scots are skilled wordsmiths. They always have this amazing ability to talk a donkey’s hind legs off when they’re in doubt. The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is untrue in Scotland. The most detailed image can be captured in the mind for all time with just a few short words. So that your head isn’t overflowing with mince, take a wheesht and look at some fine Scottish proverbs that you should start employing.

Table of Contents

Ye look like wan o’clock half struck.

You appear to be only partially awake. inject caffeine into yourself.

Yer heid’s in a fankle.

You come across as really confused.

That’s Jock’s news.

Tell me something new, please. That was just last year.

Ye look like the cat’s elbow.

In other words, you are way too thin. Eat some pie.

Wheesht yer puss.

Translation: Quiet down, stop talking, and be silent. Do you not realize how valuable silence is?

35 Scottish Sayings and Meanings That Confuse Tourists - Travel Pixy — Face Palm | © mintchipdesigns/Pixabay

Twelve herrings an’ a bagpipe mak a rebellion.

It is excessive to say that.

Ye look like something the cat dragged in.

What the heck are you wearing, exactly? Did you get any rest last night? You appear to be a messy disaster.

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

Your face is becoming wrinkly and worn out. Purchase some effective anti-aging cream.

He’s a tattie-lugged loon.

That young man has been gifted with fairly big ears.

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

Translation: News spreads quickly. Be cautious with your words.

Aye Right!

Translated: I just don’t buy it. Right, I see.

Wur youse vaccinated wi’ a gramophone needle?

In other words, wow. You never actually stop talking. Ever.

Yer doin’ ma heid in!

Translation: Be quiet. Give up talking. You are the definition of obnoxious.

Haud Yer Wheesht.

Please stop talking as soon as possible.

Yer aw bum an’ parsley.

You tend to be conceited and hold high regard for yourself.

Wur tearin’ the tartan.

We are chatting all day long and engaging in some good ol’ fashioned gossip.

Hit that wi’ a tattie.

That is definitely posh, by golly.

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

That so-and-so with two faces has some nerve. They are completely unreliable.

Yer heid’s full o’ mince.

You are talking nonsense, in other words. Your thoughts are far away.

Ah’m fair scunnered.

In other words, I’m completely fed up.

Birds an’ blethers baith fly.

Translation: News spreads quickly.

Better tae bust oot than rust oot.

Live each day to the fullest extent possible before you pass away.

When the dram’s inside the sense is ootside.

Alcohol makes you more relaxed and helps you lose all inhibitions.

Gae’s a wee swally.

Translation. Could I please have a tiny sip of your beverage?

Is the cat deid?

Why is it that your pants are so short?

Help ma boab.

Right now, I feel a little surprised.

That maks ye look like a tattiebogle.

Wow, you really do resemble a scarecrow when you wear that attire.

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

They all have the same appearance.

Who stole yer scone?

Why are you feeling so upset?

It’ll be a skoosh.

Don’t be concerned. It will be very simple.

Yer talkin’ mince withoot a tattie in sight.

Are you serious, please? Your entire mouth is a waste of words.

Ya muckle gype.

It means that you are a complete moron. Tool, you.

Yer a half-melted welly?

You’re not the sharpest tool in the toolbox, are you?

Yer ma wee chookie hen.

You are so precious to me and the apple of my eye.

Clerty clerty.

In other words, goodness me.

Topic: 35 Scottish Sayings and Meanings That Confuse Tourists

Join the “I Left My Heart in Scotland” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Scotland together.