If you're Scottish, you'll no doubt have been in a situation at some point where someone not from here has given you a puzzled look mid-conversation.
This may well be because you used a word in a context they are not familiar with. This isn't surprising at all, as there are countless words that have different meanings in Scotland and outside the country.
Whether you're referring to the weather as 'Baltic' or heading to the shops to get a can of 'juice', if you grew up in this country you will have no doubt picked up at least a few of these over the years.
Here are 20 words that have very different meanings in Scotland.
Baltic
What others think it means: Relating to the Baltic Sea or the region surrounding it.
What it means in Scotland: Very cold.
Bolt
What others think it means: A bar that slides into a socket to fasten a door or window.
What it means in Scotland: To flee rapidly.
Burn
What others think it means: An injury caused by exposure to heat or flame.
What it means in Scotland: A small stream of water that is usually smaller than a river.
Coo
What others think it means: To make a soft murmuring sound.
What it means in Scotland: A cow (usually a Highland cow).
Coupon
What others think it means: A voucher entitling the holder to a discount off a particular product.
What it means in Scotland: A face (as in "I don't like the look on his coupon, he's got a face like thunder").
Deck
What others think it means: A floor of a ship, especially the upper, open level extending for the full length of the vessel.
What it means in Scotland: To punch someone very hard.
Greet
What others think it means: To give a polite word of recognition or sign of welcome when meeting someone.
What it means in Scotland: To cry.
Hen
What others think it means: A female bird, especially of a domestic fowl.
What it means in Scotland: A term of endearment for a girl or woman.
Humming
What others think it means: A low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee.
What it means in Scotland: Smelly.
Honking
What others think it means: A sound made by a car or goose.
What it means in Scotland: Smelly.
Juice
What others think it means: The liquid obtained from or present in fruit or vegetables.
What it means in Scotland: Any fizzy drink.
Ken
What others think it means: A male name, famously Barbie's boyfriend.
What it means in Scotland: To know (as in "Do you ken big Davie?")
Messages
What others think it means: Verbal, written, or recorded communications sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be contacted directly.
What it means in Scotland: Shopping (for groceries).
Patch
What others think it means: A piece of cloth or other material used to mend or strengthen a torn or weak point.
What it means in Scotland: To bail on previously established plans.
Patter
What others think it means: A repeated light tapping sound.
What it means in Scotland: To be good with words, funny (as in "Have you met the new boss? She's got some patter eh?").
Piece
What others think it means: A portion of an object or of material, produced by cutting, tearing, or breaking the whole.
What it means in Scotland: A sandwich.
Poke
What others think it means: To jab or prod (someone or something) with one's finger or a sharp object.
What it means in Scotland: A cone-shaped bag for holding your chips; also used for referring to a crisp packet.
Steaming
What others think it means: The process or technique of cooking food by heating it in steam from boiling water.
What it means in Scotland: Drunk.
Wee
What others think it means: Urinate.
What it means in Scotland: Small, little.
Winch
What others think it means: A hauling or lifting device consisting of a rope or chain winding round a horizontal rotating drum, turned typically by a crank or by motor.
What it means in Scotland: To kiss.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
