The weather regularly dominates headlines in Scotland and (as is the norm with Scottish habits) you can expect to hear many people complaining about it as that’s a popular national pastime. Most likely that’s why the word “dreich” (Scots for grey or damp weather) was voted the ‘most iconic Scots word’ a few years ago.
The University of Glasgow found 400 Scottish words for ‘snow’ and over a hundred for ‘rain’, but don’t be intimidated - here are just 37 Scottish terms to describe Scotland’s beloved yet chaotic weather.
1. Dreich
Dreich is a Scots word that refers to "dull or miserable" weather but despite this it was crowned the 'nation's favourite word' a few years back on a Scottish Government poll - it just manages to describe so much in one syllable. Photo: bummelhummel via Canva Pro
2. It’s blowing a hoolie
This phrase is reportedly derived from the Orkney Scots word "hoolan" which refers to a very strong wind. Photo: Kotenko_A via Canva Pro
3. The sun’s splitting the trees (or skies)
Something many of us have heard our Scottish grannies saying - it just means that it's a particularly sunny day outside. Photo: RussieseO via Canva Pro
4. Drookit
This refers to something being drenched or if your clothes are totally soaked through - if you find yourself drookit then you probably forget your umbrella. Photo: lastfallenangel via Canva Pro