Our Common Language

[Paisley]

Neil,
Thanks for responding to my comment about Jocks. It is a word i absolutely loathe, but i have met other Scots who arent bothered about it. I remember once in Crete, hearing a Scots boy in a newsagents shop asking for "Jock Bait" and it turned out he was wanting a Daily Record!

[Ellen_R]

Another one for the road:

roundabout(UK) = traffic circle(US)

[Ellen_R]

Another one for the road:

roundabout(UK) = traffic circle(US)

I just visited "The Best of British" site listed previously, and saw quite a few expressions used mostly in England listed as British. Also, there were some expressions listed as "British" that I grew up with in the US... like "piece of cake".

An Irish friend recently informed me that "craic" is a Gaelicization of "crack". I had to laugh, as I've seen a few arguments break out among the "more 'Celtic' than thou" crowd.

One of my favourite references is "The Complete Patter" by Michael Munro. It's a Glasgow specific book, funny if you haven't ever heard the patter, even funnier if you have.

Something I don't think I saw listed in the previous list:

greet (Scotland) = crying (US)
jam sandwich (Glasgow) = police car (US)

The Strathclyde forces' livery used to be (Might still be... been a few since I've been back.), white with a central red stripe along the length of each side.

we'an (West of Scotland) = bairn (East of Scotland) = kid (US)

Originally posted by sonsie:
I just visited "The Best of British" site listed previously, and saw quite a few expressions used mostly in England listed as British. Also, there were some expressions listed as "British" that I grew up with in the US... like "piece of cake".

An Irish friend recently informed me that "craic" is a Gaelicization of "crack". I had to laugh, as I've seen a few arguments break out among the "more 'Celtic' than thou" crowd.

One of my favourite references is "The Complete Patter" by Michael Munro. It's a Glasgow specific book, funny if you haven't ever heard the patter, even funnier if you have.

Something I don't think I saw listed in the previous list:

greet (Scotland) = crying (US)
jam sandwich (Glasgow) = police car (US)

The Strathclyde forces' livery used to be (Might still be... been a few since I've been back.), white with a central red stripe along the length of each side.

we'an (West of Scotland) = bairn (East of Scotland) = kid (US)

Although the use of slang is perhaps getting away from the original thread which was similar words with different usage, I can endorse 'sonsie's' suggestion of 'The Complete Patter' as a good source of information for those keen to learn more about specifically Glasgow slang. Indeed, if I don't she's more than likely to 'batter my lights in' the next time she makes it over here!

Despite 'rhyming slang' supposedly originating from the cockney end of London, it's been enthusiastically adopted in Scotland.

Example:'that's jist yer donald!' = 'that's luck/ life/ fate, etc. derivation: Donald Duck = Luck. Someone has already mention Scooby Doo = clue

The Scots language as opposed to English always drew on other tongues as well, notably French.

'dinna fash yersel' = 'don't get uptight.' From the french verb se facher to get angry.

In the butcher you might ask for gigot (pronounced jigget) of lamb, from the French word gigot = leg

an ashet is a large serving dish or plate from the French assiette meaning a plate.

let's not forget some of the classic Scots words and phrases like 'scunnered', 'beelin', 'black affrontit', 'a hauf an a hauf'
'wally close', 'blootered', 'mingin', ' a right wee hairy', 'heid banger', ' a Glesca kiss', the list is endless.

No prizes but plenty of congratulations to anyone (not native Scots) submitting correct translations!!

Ah me, a tear comes to my eye at the thought of all you innocent Americans and the linguistic joys awaiting you on this side of the Atlantic.

Rab C. Nesbitt fur President of Govan!

Drummy

Has my forbearance in not responding been duly noted? How long do I have to wait before I start showing off? Will I get the odd show of a faerie light or three?

drummy... would it be ok with you if we transfered your last post over to the Language forum?

Originally posted by sonsie:
Has my forbearance in not responding been duly noted? How long do I have to wait before I start showing off? Will I get the odd show of a faerie light or three?

drummy... would it be ok with you if we transfered your last post over to the Language forum?

Sonsie,
Fairy lights in abundance! You have my permission to transfer my post to wherever you think appropriate.

Drummy