1. Introductory handsel

A Scots word and example sentence to learn:

  • Cundie [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
  • Definition: a covered drain, a sewer or the entrance to a drain; an arched passage for conducting water; a tunnel or passage.
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    • Example sentence: “He stachered alang the Kirk Gate and syne cowped heidfirst intae the cundie...”
    • English translation: “He staggered along Church Street and then collapsed headfirst into the drain ...”

Activity 2

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Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word

Drain cover

Language links

The word’s origins lie in the Latin word 'conductus'. ‘Conduit’ is a borrowing from Old French into English. The Scots word cundy is derived from Old French 'conduit' which meant 'a pipe or channel for conveying water'. Although used in other parts of Scotland, the word cundy is closely associated with Dundee.

The Cundeez is a popular local punk band from the city. Sheuch, a synonym of cundy, is a pivotal word in William McIlvanney's famous classroom scene “Ah fell an bumped ma nose in the sheuch, sur" when eponymous hero Docherty's teacher alludes to Scots being 'the language of the gutter'.

(Docherty, William McIlvanney 1975, pp. 88-89)

Related word:

  • Gate
  • Definition: A way, road, path.
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    • Example sentence: Naen tae help wis, naen tae hear wis, sae on the weary gate we geng.

Activity 3

Click to hear the sentence above read by a Scots speaker.

You can then make your own recording and play it back to check your pronunciation.

You can record your response here, but this facility requires a free OU account. Sign in or register.
Copy this transcript to the clipboard
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Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word.

Trongate in Glasgow

1.1 Mooth: where Scots is spoken