5. Introductory handsel

A Scots word and example sentence to learn:

  • Stramash [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]

  • Definition: An uproar, commotion, hubbub, disturbance, a broil, squabble, row.

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    • Example sentence: “Noo dinnae turn a wee stooshie intae a stramash...”
    • English translation: “Now don’t turn a little squabble into an uproar...”

Activity 2

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

"That Accounts for it", a January 15th 1799 caricature by Isaac Cruikshank on various human foibles, as exemplified by twelve individuals and the explanations they come up with.

Related word:

  • Muckle
  • Definition: Of size or bulk: large, big, great.
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    • Example sentence: Ah cannae believe the size o the grate muckle men in thae cartoon.
    • English translation: I can’t believe the size of the great big men in that cartoon.

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.

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

Muckle Flugga - a small rocky island north of Unst in the Shetland Islands, Scotland

5.1 How Scots is used in politics