01
Fit like?
Greetings · Doric
How are you? or how are things?, especially in Doric speech.
Everyday language guide
Scottish words and phrases by situation
Use these groups to find the canonical entry rather than relying on an exaggerated phrasebook or one national stereotype.
Greetings and check-ins
02
Aye
Agreement · Conversation
Yes; it can also signal agreement, recognition, or continuation.
03
Nae bother
Agreement · Politeness
No problem; it is fine or can be done.
Agreement and refusal
Conversation and silence
01
Blether
Conversation · Social life
A long chat, or to talk at length; it can be friendly or mildly critical.
02
Patter
Conversation · Glasgow and west
A person’s chat, banter, or style of entertaining talk.
03
Wheesht
Conversation · Commands
Be quiet, hush, or stop talking.
04
Haud yer wheesht
Conversation · Commands
Hold your tongue; be quiet.
Praise and approval
01
Braw
Praise · Everyday Scots
Fine, excellent, attractive, or especially pleasing.
02
Bonnie
Praise · Appearance
Pretty, attractive, pleasant, or fine.
03
Gallus
Character · Glasgow and west
Bold, confident, stylish, or cheekily self-assured.
04
Sound
Praise · People
Good, reliable, agreeable, or kind.
05
Pure dead brilliant
Praise · Glasgow and west
Extremely good or excellent, especially in comic or emphatic west-central speech.
Family and people
01
Bairn
Family · People
A child.
02
Wean
Family · Glasgow and west
A child, especially in west-central Scottish speech.
03
Wee yin
Family · Glasgow and west
A little one or young child; sometimes any smaller or younger person or thing.
04
Lassie
People · Traditional speech
A girl or young woman.
05
Laddie
People · Traditional speech
A boy or young man.
06
Quine
People · Doric
A girl or young woman in north-east Scots and Doric.
07
Loon
People · Doric
A boy or young man in north-east Scots and Doric.