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Scotland’s most ‘braw’ words and phrases from bahookie to peelie-wally

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Scotland’s most ‘braw’ words and phrases from bahookie to peelie-wally

Here in Scotland, we have so many words and phrases that only really make sense to us.

The Scots language is as fun as it is fascinating, with countless colourful ways to describe everyday things. Only in Scotland could you refer to something excellent as ‘braw’ and not receive funny looks from those around you.




To celebrate some of the most braw Scottish words and phrases, tourist board VisitScotland has put together a list of 18 of them. While you will probably have at least heard most before, you may not know all of their meanings.

The Daily Record has rounded up nine of our favourite picks from VisitScotland’s list. Whether you are staying inside on a ‘dreich’ day or are telling others to ‘weesht’, all of them are useful to know.


The VisitScotland website states: “Learn how to speak like a local with these great Scottish words and their meanings. We’ll equip you with the patter (the chat) to make the most of your next visit to Scotland!”

Read on for nine ‘braw’ Scottish words and their meanings according to VisitScotland. Meanwhile, the full list of 18 can be found on the VisitScotland website.

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1 of 9

Buttocks or backside.

(Image: kool99 / Getty Images)

2 of 9

A dip in liquid, especially in water, such as the iconic annual Loony Dook event at South Queensferry just outside of Edinburgh.

(Image: Robert Perry/Getty Images)

3 of 9

Dreary, dull, or gloomy weather.

(Image: Nirian / Getty Images)

4 of 9

Tangled or confused.

(Image: Richard Newstead / Getty Images)

5 of 9

Silly, foolish, or thoughtless.

(Image: Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images)

6 of 9

An armpit.

(Image: Westend61 / Getty Images)

7 of 9

Pale, off-colour, or sickly-looking.

(Image: Zinkevych / Getty Images)

8 of 9

Sneaky, sly, or cunning.

(Image: Sean Murphy / Getty Images)

9 of 9

To call for silence or to be quiet.

(Image: Hans Neleman / Getty Images)

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