Burns Night without Kilts

**Phil** · 18th June 13, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by WBHenry

They also avoid the dreaded subject of white kilt hose and whether to use traditional garter ties or elastic. I do have to wonder if they carry sgian dubhs...and where...

Don't even think about it. Although there was a time when they were carried in your oxter. And before anyone asks, an oxter is Scots for an armpit. So if you hear someone complain about "oxterguff" you know they are raising an issue about the lack of deodorant.

**MNlad** · 18th June 13, 06:11 PM

Does this bow tie bow clash with my . . .em . . .er . . .

**FatherWilliam57** · 19th June 13, 06:20 PM

I must admit that "oxterguff" is a far more creative term than "B.O."

**Phil** · 20th June 13, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by WBHenry

I must admit that "oxterguff" is a far more creative term than "B.O."

Scots is full of such "creative" terms. A few that come to mind:-
plooks - spots such as acne
nyaff - a small insignificant person
clarty - dirty
slarry - spread on thickly
I could go on but maybe others have some to add.

**FatherWilliam57** · 20th June 13, 06:51 AM

I was reading lately about western Pennsylvania dialect (known to some as Pittsburghese) and was kinda surprised at some of the terms which are attributed to the language of the early Scots-Irish settlers in the area. I had always thought that "redd up" (to clean) was Pennsylvania Dutch, but nay, it is apparently Scottish in origin. Residents of the Pittsburgh area are also known for saying "yinz /yunz/ you'uns" (second-person plural) and was surprised to learn this had a Scots-Irish background. Other words include jag (to tease or annoy), jag around (to fool around or act foolishly), jagger (a thorn or burr), jagoff (an annoying or irritating person), and slippy (slippery). Are any of these terms actually used in Scotland or Ireland today?

**Phil** · 20th June 13, 07:03 AM

"redd out" is used but more to mean clear out. In the same vein is "dichtie" to clean something - "a quick dichtie" a cursory wipe over. "Youse" or "youse yins" is the term for you people. Never heard jag used though. "Kaleeried" is a peculiarly Ulster Scots term for someone who is scatterbrained. "Snell" as in a snell wind - a cold biting wind.