Scotish

Resources

Old

I’ll gie ye a skelpit lug! – I’ll give you a slap on the ear.

Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye! – What’s meant to happen will happen.

Skinny Malinky Longlegs! – A tall thin person.

Lang may yer lum reek! – May you live long and stay well.

Speak o’ the Devil! – Usually said when you have been talking about someone – they usually appear.

Black as the Earl of Hell’s Waistcoat! – Pitch black.

Failing means yer playin! – When you fail at something at least you’re trying.

Mony a mickle maks a muckle! – Saving a small amount soon builds up to a large amount.

Keep the heid! – Stay calm, don’t get upset.

We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns! – We’re all God’s children, nobody is better than anybody else – we’re all equal.

Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs! – Don’t try to teach someone something they already know.

Dinnae marry fur money! – Don’t marry for money – you can borrow it cheaper.

Is the cat deid? – Has the cat died? Means your trousers are a bit short – like a flag flying at half mast.

Haud yer wheesht! – Be quiet.

Noo jist haud on! – Now just hold it, slow down, take your time.

Hell slap it intae ye! – Means it’s your own fault.

I’m fair puckled! – I’m short of breath.

Do yer dinger. – Loudly express disapproval.

Gie it laldy. – Do something with gusto.

Ah dinnae ken. – I don’t know.

Haste Ye Back! – Farewell saying meaning “return soon”.

It’s a dreich day! – Said in reference to the weather, when it’s cold, damp and miserable.

Gonnae no’ dae that! – Going to not do that.

Pure dead brilliant – Exceptionally good.

Yer bum’s oot the windae – You’re talking rubbish.

Am pure done in – I’m feeling very tired.

Am a pure nick – I don’t look very presentable.

Ah umnae – I am not.

Ma heid’s mince – My head’s a bit mixed up.

Yer oot yer face! – You’re very drunk.

Yer aff yer heid – You’re off your head – a little bit daft.