The hope for “taps aff” weather vs the expectation of the cold “dreich” cloudy weather. Scottish weather is always a big topic of conversation.
Cold, wet and windy is the the norm with Scotland but you can expect the ‘taps’ to be ‘aff’ when even a slight bit of sunshine shows it face. Who doesn’t love a Scottish summer when it comes around? However, predictably, the word “dreich” (Scots for grey, wet and damp weather) was voted the ‘most iconic Scots word’ a few years ago. No shock there then.
As per the University of Glasgow, there are 400 Scottish words for ‘snow’ and just over a hundred for ‘rain’, however, we have picked out the 37 best Scottish terms to describe Scotland’s beloved yet chaotic weather.
As per the University of Glasgow, there are 400 Scottish words for ‘snow’ and just over a hundred for ‘rain’, however, we have picked out the 37 best Scottish terms to describe Scotland’s beloved yet chaotic weather.
33. Yer Grandpa’s like the weather - nae pattern!
This Scottish phrase is used to express that our beloved weather is unpredictable. Photo: perfectwave via Canva Pro
34. Gloaming
This describes the alluring twilight dusk of the evening as the nights are drawing in. The word has been dated back to a 15th century old Scots text: "the glomyng of the nycht". Photo: Andrew Jensen via Canva Pro
35. Gowk's Storm
This refers to a storm that occurs in springtime, arriving at the same time as a "gowk" otherwise known as a Cuckoo. Photo: MikeLane45 via Canva Pro
36. Lunkieness
You may experience this on a stormy or tempestuous day, it describes an "oppressiveness of atmosphere". Photo: Frank Wagner via Canva Pro