People in Scotland have revealed their favourite expressions and sayings.
People in Scotland have shared the “best bit of Scottish wisdom” they have heard. A number of proverbs and expressions were revealed.
Scotland is known for its colourful language, with countless Scots sayings that locals use every day. Many of these are funny, while others offer guidance and insight.
On November 3, Love Scotland took to social media to ask people for their best bits of Scottish wisdom. Posting on Facebook, the travel page wrote: “What’s the best bit of Scottish wisdom you’ve ever heard?”
Since being shared, the post has received more than 150 responses. Scots were keen to share their best pieces of Scottish wisdom.
One Facebook user wrote: “Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead.”
The phrase is an old Scottish proverb that means life is short, and so one should focus on enjoying it while they can. It is a reminder that death is permanent and life is temporary, so try and make the most of the finite time one is alive.
Another Scot commented: “Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye.”
The expression ‘whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye’ translates to ‘what is for you will not go by you’. It means that destiny will bring you what is meant to be, and you do not need to worry about missing out on it.
A third said: “‘Better a wee bush than nae bield’. Rabbis Burns. Better a wee bit o shelter than no shelter at all.”
As the Facebook user suggested, the phrase means that it is better to have a small shelter than no shelter. The core idea is that even an imperfect solution is better than having nothing at all to rely on.
Another response reads: “My granny always said ‘it’s a sair fecht if ye dinna weaken’! As a kid I didn’t have a clue what she was saying!
“Never mind the meaning, I didn’t even understand the words!”
The idiom ‘it’s a sair fecht if ye dinna weaken’ translates to ‘it’s a sore fight if you don’t weaken’. It means that life is hard but you need keep going in spite of the difficulties.
Meanwhile, one Scot posted: “Do not judge by appearances; a rich heart may be under a poor coat.”
The expression is similar to ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. It reminds people not to form an opinion of others based on their outward appearance as a person’s true value is defined by their inner character.
READ MORE: Photos show snow on Scottish castle as hardy local dons kilt for winter walk
Other Scots suggested more humorous phrases, with one stating: “Never upset a Scotsman!”
“Keep your legs closed wearing a Kilt,” a second joked. Meanwhile, a third commented: “Ye cannae shove yer grannie aff a bus”.
What are your favourite bits of Scottish wisdom? Let us know in the comments below!
