Scots Word of the Week

Each week we feature a different Scots word from the pages of DSL. These are illustrated by renowned Scottish artist Bob Dewar.

29/11/25 – Polo Mint CityPolo Mint City
A nickname for East Kilbride, from its large number of roundabouts.
15/11/25 – GawpusGawpus
A person who is considered prone to talking foolishly and too frequently.
08/11/25 – RelictRelict
A widow.
01/11/25 – Pock neukPock neuk
To rely on one’s own (or another’s) resources.
25/10/25 – ScuddlerScuddler
The leader of a band of guisers who performed at weddings, Halloween, and other festivities.
18/10/25 – FreitFreit
A superstitious belief, observance, or act.
11/10/25 – PlenishPlenish
To furnish, supply, or stock (with).
04/10/25 – NotionNotion
A liking or affection, especially for a potential romantic partner.
27/09/25 – TassieTassie
A cup, bowl, or drinking vessel; a winner’s cup or trophy.
20/09/25 – PanelPanel
A person indicted before a criminal court.
13/09/25 – MumpMump
To mumble, mutter; to grumble, to complain peevishly.
06/09/25 – BirlerBirler
A person who dresses cloth by picking knots from the surface.
30/08/25 – House-heatingHouse-heating
A house-warming.
23/08/25 – WhingeWhinge
To complain or fret in a whining manner.
16/08/25 – GrumphieGrumphie
A pig.
09/08/25 – Land o CakesLand o Cakes
A popular designation for Scotland, from the importance of oatcakes to the diet of the rural population.
02/08/25 – Here’s tae usHere's tae us
A toast or expression of self-congratulation, often used ironically.
26/07/25 – GrowkGrowk
To look longingly at something, esp. of a child or dog begging for food.
19/07/25 – QuaichQuaich
A shallow bowl-shaped drinking cup, now mainly for ornamental use.
12/07/25 – DiddleDiddle
To sing in a rather low-pitched key without words, generally as an accompaniment to dancing.
05/07/25 – PirliePirlie
Anything very small; the little finger.
28/06/25 – CollopsCollops
Thickish slices of meat; slices of meat minced before cooking.
21/06/25 – MorningsideMorningside
The supposedly affected speech of (some of) the inhabitants of Morningside, Edinburgh.
14/06/25 – GaugerGauger
An official employed to collect excise duties and enforce excise laws.
07/06/25 – Nicky tamsNicky tams
A pair of straps or strings tied below the knee to keep trouser bottoms clear of dirt.
31/05/25 – Bothy balladBothy ballad
A traditional farmworkers’ song.
24/05/25 – Skooshy creamSkooshy cream
Whipped cream from an aerosol can.
17/05/25 – Diluting juiceDiluting juice
Fruit-flavoured squash.
10/05/25 – JeelyJeely
Jam or whole fruit preserve; a gelatinous substance or jelly.
03/05/25 – SwatsSwats
Newly-brewed weak beer; a fermented mixture of molasses, water, and yeast.
26/04/25 – WheechWheech
To move quickly; to remove (something) with a speedy, snatching movement.
19/04/25 – Back greenBack green
A back garden, especially of a tenement or council house.
12/04/25 – GowpinGowpin
To throb with pain, to ache violently.
05/04/25 – Bell the CatBell the Cat
A nickname given to Archibald Douglas, fifth Earl of Angus, for his bravery.
29/03/25 – Gushet houseGushet house
A house on a corner that forms an angle between two roads.
22/03/25 – GundyGundy
A kind of flavoured toffee.
15/03/25 – HottleHottle
A hotel.
08/03/25 – Glasgow magistrateGlasgow magistrate
A salt herring.
01/03/25 – ClachanClachan
A hamlet or village, generally containing a church.
22/02/25 – Eat up…Eat up, ye're at yer auntie's
To help yourself liberally.
15/02/25 – TrowTrow
A mischievous sprite or fairy, a supernatural being.
08/02/25 – SitooterieSitooterie
An outside seating area.
01/02/25 – SnodSnod
Of people or things: neat, tidy, in good order.
25/01/25 – Scabby-heidedScabby-heided
Infested with head lice.
18/01/25 – Torn faceTorn face
A person with a sulky peevish face.
11/01/25 – GigotGigot
A leg of mutton; also used of pork and beef.
04/01/25 – KeelieKeelie
A male city-dweller, an uncouth rowdy fellow.