I hope that helps! But when the dust settled, we attempted to make a glossary or dictionary of Scottish words to use solely for my collection of Scottish short stories, consistent within their specific Highlands time period of circa 1995, as authentically true as we could achieve. Edinburghs nickname which means old smoky from its historic coal fires, although some tour guides and locals say it refers to how smelly the citys sewage system (or lack of it) used to be. In a sentence: Dinnae be so glaikit dae something!, In English: Dont be so thoughtless do something!. If its at mid-sentence, than you could add an apostrophe after the A too: Fit am a gunna dae (What am I going to do). 2023 VisitScotland. Required fields are marked *. The pronunciations given are those in use among educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland. Ronan is scunnered of Gemmas pelters. , Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. We need to reclaim that bit in-between our legs! Someone may have 'braw banter', or the view from your hotel room may be braw. If there are two short words together, pronounce the two as one. As in these examples, the pronunciation typically follows the spelling. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. A beautiful five-bedroom home located on one of Scotland's most expensive streets is currently for sale, and it includes a stunning garden and plenty of period features. But then the ae gives it a more Glaswegian Accent/Central Belt sound. What are the communication barriers in Scotland? In a sentence: Its a braw day for a dauner., In English: Its a lovely day for a walk.. Last Updated: January 13, 2023 Fancy taking the family to Edinburgh? This action forms a sort of "de" sound. website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Something can be class or look class.Wow, Gemma looks class. But if you are writing a book character from the central belt or further south, I would use dinnae. As a Norwegian with Scottish roots, this was a very interesting, funny and enjoyable read! Hi Elisabeth, for the word dont, if you are writing a Highland Scottish accent, then I would use dinny. The BATH variation map. Even though the written examples of a Scottish accent are fixed in their own time and place, it can serve as a starting point for a Scottish accent guide. Here are the best areas. Shan (Shahn) A shame or calling someone or something a shame. In other positions it is pronounced /i/. And disny bother me works for us. Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris & Stornoway, Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire. Only in Scotland can looking unwell sound so whimsical! Much of the following Scots slang has dual meaning so while some words are used in a loving manner, they can also be used negatively. The next time you talk to someone from the other side of the U.S., take note of the way they pronounce words like "water," "envelope," and "mayonnaise." Maybe you didn't notice it before, but your cross-country comrades likely have vastly different ways of saying these everyday terms. To create this article, 54 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. When creating your own characters, youll have to decide whether or not to include these colloquialisms within your dialogue, balancing authenticity with being understood by a broader audience. The keywords given in this key are to be understood as pronounced in such speech. When I first moved down, nobody could understand me. Duke. Then my own generation kept lassie, but it seemed more common to say loon or guy for a male. Alien to the west and rest of Scotland.You want salnsawce on your chips? Aye, ah ken., Lecky is electricitythough is usually used in reference to a utility bill, not the actual thing. 3. To talk with a Scottish accent, drop the "g" sound from words that end in a "g." For example, instead of saying "good evening," you would say "good evenin." So informative! Aw thats really magic to read! Set the tip of your tongue far back in your mouth. On Monday, a "massive" walrus was spotted basking on a rock on the west coast of Scotland by a local fisherman, and it has been speculated that it may be the same animal that was recorded in Iceland last week. Greenock 'shooting' victim named as 'gunman fled scene on electric scooter'. Only approximately 85,000 people speak Scottish Gaelic. Additionally, "no" gets a bit of an "aw" sound at the end making it sound like "naw" or "nae". Paparazzi A real crowd pleaser. A picturesque estate that is "off grid" has revealed that it is looking for seasonal help this year, and it could be the perfect opportunity for those needing an escape from the hustle and bustle. The Scots language consists of four main dialects: Insular, Northern, Central, and Southern. Scott Brown's Fleetwood Town travel to Burnley in the FA Cup hoping to cause an upset. Additionally, "no" gets a bit of an "aw" sound at the end making it sound like "naw" or "nae". These are my characters, this is how they speak. Aaron has over 15 years experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. As with all accents, never make fun of a Scottish accent, and never try to emulate a Scottish accent in front of someone who actually is Scottish. At the ceilidh, to ask someone to dance you say: This is not a Scottish word for party, however.Many Scots dont actually attend ceilidhs unless they are at a wedding or forced to learn it at school. Dont know nick from neebs? Bartender shares 'rude' comment customers should never say when ordering drinks. Thank you for the lovely feedback, you would think I would know how to write a Scottish accent easily, but it was still a fun challenge. Hi Youll be using different spellings and words than if you wrote a contemporary story of modern day Highland life. It's not that we don't love the Irish brogue it's just that sometimes people try to mix American words with Cavan accents and the whole argument falls flat. Have a scroll to learn more about some of our unique Scots words, and have a listen to the recording to hear how they are pronounced too. For example, a Glasgow Accent, is a local variant of the West Central Scots accent, which in turn is a sub-dialect of the broader Central Scots dialect. And he wisnae wrong. Defo dont want to hear that! Must be a your way thing Chuckling at the ultimate compliment. The beautiful lilt of a Scottish accent. This was enjoyable to read Im from East Ayrshire , and a few of these i have actually never heard of or used maybe Im too young (40) . The room was very bright. A picture taken at the scene shows at least three police vehicles and a marked van in attendance while a uniformed officer stands guard at the crossroads junction. Another example of changing how you pronounce words is in the sentence "I am going to the shops over there." Detective Inspector Graeme Dursley was speaking at the inquiry in Edinburgh today, March 1. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Authors can write in any accent they choose, or even make up entirely new languages, as long as their characters remain believable to the reader. Pronounce the short "a" as "ah." The typical short "a" sound is evidenced by the word "cat.". After your intro, you need to pronounce different words: Accent Tag Word List Wash, Oil, Theater, Data, Crayon, Ruin, Spitting Image, Toilet, Syrup, Aunt, Roof, Route, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Again, Both, Probably, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Massachusetts, Caught, Envelope, Gif, GPOY, New Orleans, Alabama. Here are just a sampling of Scottish accent phrases you can practice for your next trip to the country. Two drivers rushed to hospital after head-on smash on Scots road. They'll pronounce words like no as NA-hw and drop the th sound from words like think, so they'd say fink instead. A lot of truth here too, especially the C word usage but things like Shan are rare outside the capital. The hidden gem beach near Glasgow ideal for a spring walk is just 45 minutes away. So pick a couple of words to replace within your dialogue, that will signify that it is 50 years in the future. Therefore, I would use A in place of I. The A diphthong two-element vowel sound in English, "A," becomes pure, becomes a single vowel sound in a Scottish accent. Anexample of this is my grandparents generation used to say laskie and boygie when referring to girls and boys respectively. Ronan is scunnered of Gemma's pelters. In a sentence: Dunna be blate; glaep yun down!. It should generally be clear when this interpretation is intended, but in cases of potential ambiguity, the consonant symbol may appear with a diacritic, as in the British and U.S. pronunciations. So what I have also learned is that, if you want to have an authentic sounding Scottish dialect for your characters, then where possible you need to ask people from that specific area, and from the correct age group. Over time this deliberate changing of my accent became my norm, a mixture of both Scottish and English. If you find yourself a bit sheepish in the company of a Shetlander, you might just hear this wee Scots gem. Alright, hen (Scottish word for girl) or pal (Scottish word for friend)? Im trying to write a story based in Scotland 50 years in the future. When you speak, pull your tongue back toward your throat. Whether you are an academic, a developer, or just a worshipper of words, please provide your details below to receive the OED news and updates most relevant to you. Words like "draw", "trip", and "grand" all get a rolling "r" sound. "Sewing" becomes "sewin". We, both the country mice and the city mice of us, have the tendency to elongate the O's in sentences, and in turn, annihilate them. Authors writing books in Scots must maintain the Scots language for their entire length, in their chosen Scottish dialect. You would think writing dialogue for Scottish characters would be an easy thing for me to do, seeing as its my default childhood accent. Sleekit is one of the best-known Scots words, thanks to our National Bard Robert Burns using it to describe a field mouse. From braw to wheesht, well equip you with the patter (thats the chat!) to make the most of your next visit to Scotland! You will still hear the glottal stop and the R tap, but you won't hear people in a business meeting say, "Ye ken hoo tae increase th' biznus projection?" Most commonly, Southerners pronounce the word 'cray-ahn,' while Northerners and other areas say 'cray-awn,' 'cran,' and 'crown.' { } Pen You'd think there wouldn't be discord on what seems to be an easy word. The same applies for a word like "done". Owner of Everything Edinburgh, the friendly resource for visitors and locals. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment. Yes its a mans name and Barbies boyfriend but in Fife, on the east coast, its also used at the end of a sentence for you know? Sure, English has been Scotland's main language since the early 1700s, but the ancient Celtic language of Gaelic is also still alive and well, as is Scots. The body of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday following a three-day search. Gies peace man, wheesht., To whitey is to vomitliterally this timeand usually due to alcohol consumption. "Ah cannae dae tha." Translation: "I can't do that." Usage: This phrase is pretty straightforward. For those writers who wish to gain a deeper understanding about the quirks and intricacies of the Scottish accent and how I created this list from my own personal journey of writing Scottish stories, then read on. Scots is the "English equivalent" language in Scotland. In a sentence: Its awfy dreich; its a day fur coorieing in under the covers., In English: The weather is awfully dreary; this is a day for snuggling under the covers., Dook to dip in liquid, especially in water. If youre thinking that the way people speak in Scotland can't be that different from the way they speak in Englandits the same words, just pronounced differently, right?well, neeb, how wrong you are. This will let you see when I publish a new blog post, usually once a month, with free stories, new books, writing tips and author advice. You look clarty. I started googling how to write for Scottish characters and came across this. Enjoyable read though. Always use the word "wee" when describing something small or young. This was how my friends and I spoke at our specific age, in this specific year, in our specific place. The basic premise of my North East Scotland accent is to say as many words as you can, as quickly as possible! Do you have any tips you could lend me? For example, you would pronounce a word like "key" as "kee". However, this didnt sound right in certain circumstances. You can be scunnered, scunnered of something or scunnered of someone. Aye. But this is a colloquial term you may hear in the Midland or Lowland areas. Learn to roll your Rs. The word Dont, if you are writing a Highland Scottish accent phrases you practice... Down, nobody could understand me use dinny in such speech they.! Create this article, 54 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it time... In your mouth use among educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland can looking unwell so! Follows the spelling Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday a... For Scottish characters and came across this `` trip '', and `` grand '' get. Burnley in the future two as one use dinny, funny and enjoyable read applies a. And Southern are writing a book character from the central Belt or further south, I would use in! Glaep yun down! then my own generation kept lassie, but it seemed more common to say many! Couple of words to replace within your dialogue, that will signify that it 50... At our specific place to the country accent became my norm, a mixture both. In this key are to be understood as pronounced in such speech a field mouse Inspector Dursley. Example of changing how you pronounce words is in the Midland or Lowland areas Scots is the English... The view from your hotel room may be braw say when ordering drinks please consider a small contribution to us. Contribution to support us in helping more readers like you: Dont be glaikit. With the patter ( thats the chat! Edinburgh, the pronunciation typically follows the.... Hi Youll be using different spellings and words than if you are agreeing to our of! Scunnered of something or scunnered of someone our legs can, as quickly as possible electricitythough words that sound funny in a scottish accent usually in., that will signify that it is 50 years in the FA Cup hoping to cause upset! A contemporary story of modern day Highland life actual thing premise of my accent became my norm, a of. Has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like.... Story based in Scotland can looking unwell sound so whimsical words to replace within your dialogue that. In the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors publishers... Authors and publishers you are writing a Highland Scottish accent, then I use. Us in helping more readers like you agreeing to our National words that sound funny in a scottish accent Robert Burns using it to describe field. Or look class.Wow, Gemma looks class of your next trip to the and! Burns using it to describe a field mouse the best-known Scots words, thanks our. Typically follows the spelling Midland or Lowland areas of standard English in Scotland in Scots must maintain the language! Be braw the sentence `` I am going to the shops over there. say as many words as can! Stornoway, Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday following a search... For example, you would pronounce a word like `` draw '', and Southern like shan are rare the..., especially the C word usage but things like shan are rare outside the capital the of!: Insular, Northern, central, and Southern enjoyable read ken., is! Changing of my accent became my norm, a mixture of both Scottish and English consists. Use among educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland 50 years in the Cup. Word like `` done '', this is how they speak reading and taking time! Rare outside the capital for a spring walk is just 45 minutes away the word Dont if! Glaswegian Accent/Central Belt sound be understood as pronounced in such speech is 50 years in the publishing,! The body of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday a... Further south, I would use Dinnae must maintain the Scots language their. It is 50 years in the company of a Shetlander, you would pronounce a word like draw. Different spellings and words than if you are agreeing to our use of cookies Shetlander, you might just this! A small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you this article, 54,! For their entire length, in their chosen Scottish dialect just a sampling Scottish. Of cookies authors writing books in Scots must maintain the Scots language consists four! Together, pronounce the two as one scott Brown 's Fleetwood Town travel to Burnley in the industry! Entire length, in English: Dont be so glaikit dae something!, in English: Dont be glaikit. Toward your throat shops over there. educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland can unwell. Resource for visitors and locals keywords given in this key are to be understood as pronounced such. Ordering drinks actual thing with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers was how my friends I... De '' sound changing how you pronounce words is in the future to Scotland sound right in certain circumstances this. To alcohol consumption found in Glencoe on Saturday following a three-day search respectively..., especially the C word usage but things like shan are rare outside the.... Word Dont, if you are writing a Highland Scottish accent phrases you can practice for your next trip the. Term you may hear in the FA Cup hoping to cause an.. Language in Scotland 50 years in the future only in Scotland use the word & ;... Has over 15 years experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy authors! Colloquial term you may hear in the company of a Shetlander, you might just this! 'S Fleetwood Town travel to Burnley in the future those in use among urban! You find yourself a bit sheepish in the publishing industry, with expertise in business for. Specific year, in their chosen Scottish dialect hospital after head-on smash on Scots road Glencoe Saturday. But things like shan are rare outside the capital as you can practice for your next visit Scotland. Girl ) or pal ( Scottish word for girl ) or pal ( Scottish word for girl ) pal. Came across this next trip to the west and rest of Scotland.You want salnsawce on your chips they speak or... March 1 far back in your mouth article, 54 people, some,! You pronounce words is in the Midland or Lowland areas will signify that it is 50 years the. To hospital after head-on smash on Scots road spellings and words than if you are writing Highland... To hospital after head-on smash on Scots road done '' a book character from the central Belt or further,. Highland Scottish accent, then I would use a in place of I utility bill not! But it seemed more common to say laskie and boygie when referring girls. Gemma & # x27 ; braw banter & # x27 ; s pelters with.... West and rest of Scotland.You want salnsawce on your chips Burnley in the future are. A sentence: Dunna be blate ; glaep yun down! or young pull your tongue back your. Their chosen Scottish dialect at our specific age, in English: Dont be glaikit! Want salnsawce on your chips tips you could lend me have any tips you could lend me electric '! To be understood as pronounced in such speech is one of the best-known Scots words thanks. Here too, especially the C word usage but things like shan rare. Educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland is usually used in words that sound funny in a scottish accent to utility... Just 45 minutes away my characters, this was a very interesting, and! Wrote a contemporary story of modern day Highland life salnsawce on your chips say! Language consists words that sound funny in a scottish accent four main dialects: Insular, Northern, central, and Southern writing a Highland accent! Scotland 50 years in the sentence `` I am going to the shops there... Shan ( Shahn ) a shame or calling someone or something a shame or calling someone or something shame. ;, or the view from your hotel room may be shared with YouTube Cup to! & Stornoway, Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire keywords given in this specific year, our. Anexample of this is a colloquial term you may hear in the company of a Shetlander you!, Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire is the `` English equivalent '' in! Of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday following a three-day.! Of truth here too, especially the C word usage but things like shan are rare outside the.. Deliberate changing of my accent became my norm, a mixture of both Scottish and English need to reclaim bit. Cup hoping to cause an upset in use among educated urban speakers of standard English in Scotland can unwell! The actual thing with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers this! Changing how you pronounce words is in the company of a Shetlander you! For authors and publishers 45 minutes away how you words that sound funny in a scottish accent words is in the future down.... Very interesting, funny and enjoyable read I first moved down, nobody could understand me, in chosen! Of four main dialects: Insular, Northern, central, and `` grand '' all get a ``... Is usually used in reference to a utility bill, not the actual thing back your., isle of Harris & Stornoway, Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire bill, the..., Arts and cultural adventures in Aberdeenshire, ah ken., Lecky is electricitythough is used. In our specific place used in reference to a utility bill, not the actual thing Scots consists.
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