Words that have a totally different meaning in Scotland

We like to be a bit different!

Published 8th Jun 2021
Last updated 9th Jun 2021

With words like Ken, Scratcher and Tee, we certainly have our own language up here in Scotland, but how many do you use that have a totally different meaning across the rest of the UK?

Check out the words that have a totally different meaning in Scotland:

Scratcher

Scratcher - skrach-er noun - An accessory used to relieve an itch in the middle of your back.
What it means in Scotland: Your Bed.

Heavy

Heavy - hev-ee noun - Something with a substantial weight.
What it means in Scotland: A type of dark beer.

Greet

Greet - greet verb - A manner of saying hello.
What it means in Scotland: Cry.

Piece

Piece - pees noun - A limited portion or quantity of something.
What it means in Scotland: A sandwich.

Ken

Ken - ken noun - A male first name, short for Kenneth, friend of Barbie.
What it means in Scotland: To have knowledge of, e.g. "d'ye ken what's on ma piece?"

Supper

Supper - suhp-er noun - A late evening snack.
What it means in Scotland: Any meal from the chippy that has chips with it.

Roaster

Roaster - roh-ster noun - A pan for roasting meat, or a machine for roasting coffee beans.
What it means in Scotland: Someone who always speaks rubbish, e.g. "that Sandra at my work is a complete roaster."

Tattoo

Tattoo - ta-too noun - An indelible design created by inserting pigment into punctures in the skin.
What it means in Scotland: Hunners of pipe bands.

Deck

Deck - dek noun - An exposed platform on a ship.
What it means in Scotland: To punch someone very hard, knocking them to the ground, e.g. "If you dinnae get yer hands aff ma piece, I'm gonnae deck ye."

Tee

Tee tee noun - A warm beverage created from the brewing of bagged leaves.
What it means in Scotland: Dinner.

How many of these words do you use?

Now read:

Your ultimate guide to Scotland at the Euros âš½

Martin Compston shares hilarious video celebrating Scotland's penalty win during LOD filming

How to listen to Northsound 1:

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.