Special Sub-Topic: Scottish Sayings, Words and Phrases Click Here To Play: Scottish Sayings, Words and Phrases

In Scotland, if someone says "I am completely 'scunnered' today!" what does it mean?

Fed up. This word is much used in Scotland, it is to be negative about something. Feeling sleepy, starving or cold could result in feeling 'scunnered' but not necessarily.

In Scotland, if someone says "What are you 'gauping' at?" what does it mean?

Staring, open mouthed. For someone to be doing this they would be open mouthed, looking at something or someone with a silly vacant expression. Sniffing, yelling or sobbing loudly is not the definition of this expression in this case.

In Scotland, if someone says "I got some new sparkling, shiny 'wallies' the other day and I am smiling now." what does it mean?

False Teeth. Yes, hehe! these are the other name for false teeth in Scotland! Shoes, spectacles and diamonds (although shiny when new) do not apply to this word!

In Scotland, if someone says "That man was fairly going his 'dinger' the other day!" what does it mean?

Losing his temper. This expression means that someone is having a temper tantrum and is very angry! Ringing a bell does not mean this phrase, although in some way the origins of this phrase must come from the bell source somewhere along the line. Slipping on a banana skin or losing a race may cause someone to do this on occasion depending on the person!

When visiting someone in Scotland and they say "You are at your auntie's house" what does this mean?

Make yourself comfortable, relax and raid the cookie tin. This phrase means "relax and make yourself at home!" whilst eating all the cookies without having to be polite! There is no need to sit still and not touch anything, the skies the limit!. Doing all the housework to save old auntie from doing it is allowed of course! If amnesia or the 'one too many drinks' is the situation, then raiding the cookie jar and drinks cabinet is, in effect, ok too!

In Scotland, if someone says "That 'wean' playing in our garden belongs to the lady across the street, it needs to go home now!" what does it mean?

Small child. It normally means small child in Scotland If it were a small cat - it would be 'wee cat' If it were a small dog - it would be 'wee dug' If it were a small yak - although not entirely impossible, it would be amazing and improbable to find a yak (big or small) playing in one's garden in Scotland!

If in Scotland, and one asks a person where they are going for this year's annual vacation or holiday and they reply "Oh! its 'hameldaeme' this year" where is this place?

Nowhere. This word in translation is 'home will do me!' so it means they are going nowhere and staying at home. The north coast of Scotland and south of France have many nice places to visit for vacation but not with this name. 'anywhere' is 'anywhere'! and not necessarily home.

If you are ever in Scotland and you hear some one say "He's away on the ran-dan" what does this mean?

Having a wild but sociable night out on the town. Yep! It is going out for a fun evening and having a very good time! A boat and bus ride can be fun but of a different type and spending the weekend in a straight jacket would certainly not be much fun!

If you hear someone from Scotland say "I'm spewing feathers" what does this mean?

They are very thirsty. Yup! A long cool drink is required! Supposedly, no matter how bad hunger pangs can be, a feather would be a pretty odd choice of meal and if a feather was indeed swallowed then a nasty stomach or tummy ache might be the result!

If in the presence of a Scottish person and they say "You have got more degrees than a thermometer!" what does this mean?

You are very clever. Yep! It is a compliment as it means you are considered very smart! How it is approximately pronounced in Scotland is: "He's goat mair degrees than a thermometer" Nothing to do with high fevers, stupidity or erratic behavior as far as is known.