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"Hey, you're Scotch!" No, that word is mostly reserved for food items so unless you're a cannibal then here's what you should know."Hey, you're Scotch!" No, that word is mostly reserved for food items so unless you're a cannibal then here's what you should know.
"Hey, you're Scotch!" No, that word is mostly reserved for food items so unless you're a cannibal then here's what you should know.

Scotch or Scottish? Here are 9 times it’s okay to use the word ‘Scotch’ (not for actual Scots)

Scots will appreciate it if you buy them one but not if you call them it, in reality we’re “Scottish” and the following examples are “Scotch”.
Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay
Published 18th Apr 2023, 10:07 BST
Updated 18th Apr 2023, 10:18 BST

When visiting Scotland, “Scotch” is a word one should use carefully because it may offend someone. As written in our list of things you should never say to someone from Scotland, the locals here are known as Scots or Scottish but never Scotch which is a term largely reserved for food items.

Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines Scots, Scottish and Scotch as “belonging to, native of, or characteristic of Scotland” however their application differs, in some cases even legally.

For example, Scotch Whisky (or in Scottish Gaelic “Uisge Beatha” which means “water of life”) is a famous Scottish export which has been written into law via the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009.

Broadly speaking, it’s a safe bet to just use ‘Scottish’, but if we’re getting specific then here are nine times it’s okay to use “Scotch”.

Unlike the spelling used in the United States with an “e”, the drink which is a national treasure to Scotland is spelt just “whisky” and is commonly referred to as “Scotch”. The Scotch Whisky Association dates the distilled beverage to as far back as 1494 and have suggested that distilling long predates that too as the production was already “well established”.

1. Scotch Whisky

Unlike the spelling used in the United States with an “e”, the drink which is a national treasure to Scotland is spelt just “whisky” and is commonly referred to as “Scotch”. The Scotch Whisky Association dates the distilled beverage to as far back as 1494 and have suggested that distilling long predates that too as the production was already “well established”. Photo: allan_harris on Flickr

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According to Mr Paul’s Pantry: “Traditional Scotch Pies were originally called ‘Mutton Pies’, but you can use use mutton, lamb or even beef (some butchers use a mixture) the filling should be well spiced, bit like a good pork pie, with that distinctive peppery kick.” In short, this double-crust meat pie is an unmissable delicacy of Scottish cuisine.

2. Scotch Pie

According to Mr Paul’s Pantry: “Traditional Scotch Pies were originally called ‘Mutton Pies’, but you can use use mutton, lamb or even beef (some butchers use a mixture) the filling should be well spiced, bit like a good pork pie, with that distinctive peppery kick.” In short, this double-crust meat pie is an unmissable delicacy of Scottish cuisine. Photo: bensutherland on Flickr

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If you’re driving down the A1 or A66 near Richmond then at a junction there you can discover the Scotch Corner. It is called that because it’s a point of divergence for drivers coming from places like London and Yorkshire to then pivot towards Edinburgh or Glasgow etc. It has been called “the modern gateway to Cumbria, the North East and Scotland.”

3. Scotch Corner

If you’re driving down the A1 or A66 near Richmond then at a junction there you can discover the Scotch Corner. It is called that because it’s a point of divergence for drivers coming from places like London and Yorkshire to then pivot towards Edinburgh or Glasgow etc. It has been called “the modern gateway to Cumbria, the North East and Scotland.” Photo: via Geograph

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Did you know that Scotch Beef has its own legal status under European law? The widely treasured Scottish commodity has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark on its packaging which is set to reassure consumers that it meets a certain quality. It must be from Scottish farms that meet a certain standard on their facilities and animal welfare.

4. Scotch Beef

Did you know that Scotch Beef has its own legal status under European law? The widely treasured Scottish commodity has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark on its packaging which is set to reassure consumers that it meets a certain quality. It must be from Scottish farms that meet a certain standard on their facilities and animal welfare. Photo: jamiedecesare on Flickr

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