The Scottish language has a rich and complex history, with influences from Gaelic, Scots, English, and other languages mixing together over the centuries. This blending of languages has led to some interesting variations in how certain words and concepts are expressed in Scottish dialects. One such example is how the word “devil” is translated into different Scottish terms. While English speakers would simply use “devil,” in Scottish there are a few variations that capture some of the unique character of the language.
Main Scottish Words for Devil
Here are some of the main ways to say “devil” in Scottish dialects:
Deil
The most common Scottish word for “devil” is “deil.” This comes directly from the Scots language and is a shortened version of the Old English word “deofol.” It is pronounced approximately like “deel.” This is the standard term for “devil” used across most Scottish dialects.
Deevil
A variant spelling of the more common “deil,” this is pronounced the same way. The extra “e” in the middle simply reflects slightly different regional pronunciations. You may see this spelling used more often in written Scottish text or in specific dialects.
De’il
Another minor variation in spelling is to include an apostrophe after the “d.” This indicates a dropped letter or a specific way of pronouncing the first syllable. The term is still pronounced like “deel” – the apostrophe just captures a subtle language quirk.
Divel
Mostly used in the northeastern Aberdeenshire dialect, this spelling variation comes from the influence of local slang terms. Although it looks quite different on paper, it is still pronounced nearly the same as “deil.”
Nickum
An old Scots word derived from the Dutch “nikker,” this quaint-sounding term means “devil” in some areas of Scotland. It is pronounced “NICK-um.” It is not used universally but can still be heard among certain groups.
Sayings and Expressions with Scottish Words for Devil
These Scottish devil terms are also used in popular Scottish sayings and expressions, some of which have equivalents in English and others which are uniquely Scottish:
“Deil may care”
This saying means “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter to me.” It can be used when you want to dismiss a topic or express apathy about something.
“Come hail, come de’il”
Meaning “come what may,” this Scottish phrase indicates a fatalistic attitude of accepting whatever happens regardless of circumstances.
“Deil the bit”
If a Scottish person says “deil the bit,” they mean “not at all” or “not a bit.” It’s used to make an emphatic denial of something.
“Ne’er a deil haet”
Translating roughly to “not at all” or “none of it,” this expression is a stronger form of denial or refusal. The extra “haet” intensification makes it mean “not even a tiny bit.”
“Gang tae the deil!”
This vigorous Scottish curse essentially means “Go to hell!” Telling someone to “gang tae the deil” is expressing the wish for them to be condemned or damned.
“Deil nor ye lo’e me”
A dramatic Scottish declaration of love, this means “May the devil take me if I don’t love you.” It emphasizes the depth and truth of the speaker’s affection by staking their very soul on it.
Rhotic vs Non-Rhotic Dialects
An important distinction between Scottish pronunciation varieties is whether they are rhotic or non-rhotic. This refers to the treatment of “R” sounds and significantly impacts how devil terms are pronounced:
Rhotic Dialects
In rhotic Scottish dialects, “R” sounds are strongly pronounced in all environments. This includes words ending in -er or -ir like “deil.” Speakers fully pronounce the “R.”
Examples:
Deil = “deel-r”
De’il = “deh-eel-r”
Non-Rhotic Dialects
In non-rhotic dialects, “R” sounds are typically silent if they come after vowels at the ends of words. This leads to devil terms being pronounced with no “R” sound at the end.
Examples:
Deil = “deel”
De’il = “deh-eel”
Whether rhotic or not, the basic vowel sound remains largely the same across the variations. But the treatment of the final “R” divides Scottish dialects.
Etymological Origins
To understand the background of the Scottish devil vocabulary, it helps to look at some details of the etymological origins:
Early Germanic Roots
The earliest roots of the word “devil” can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic “*diwaz” meaning “demon” or “evil spirit.” This evolved into similar terms in Old English, Old Norse, and Old Saxon.
Old English “Deofol”
In Old English, the predecessor of Modern English, the main word for devil was “deofol” derived from the Germanic root. This is where the essence of the Scottish words comes from.
Late Middle Ages
By the 1400s and 1500s, in the Late Middle Ages, the word “deofol” became shortened to “devil” in southern England. But in Scotland, the older “deofol” retained currency and evolved into “deil.”
Dutch and Flemish Influences
Due to proximity and cultural contacts, terms from continental languages like Dutch and Flemish also made their way into Scots. This explains deviations like “divel” and “nickum.”
Cognate Words in Other Languages
Given the shared linguistic history, it is not surprising that many other Germanic languages have devil words that relate to the Scottish terms:
| Language | Word for “Devil” |
|---|---|
| English | Devil |
| Scots | Deil |
| Dutch | Duivel |
| German | Teufel |
| Danish | Djavl |
| Swedish | Djävul |
| Norwegian | Djevel |
| Icelandic | Djöfull |
While the exact forms differ, the common linguistic roots are evident. The Scottish devil vocabulary is part of this broader Germanic context.
Usage in Scottish Literature and Culture
References to the devil feature prominently in many classic works of Scottish literature and culture:
Robert Burns Poems
Robert Burns, the most famous Scottish poet, used terms like “deil” frequently in works like “Tam O’Shanter” to add local flair and character. The devil features as a mischievous folklore figure in much of Burns’ verse.
Walter Scott Novels
Sir Walter Scott’s 19th century historical novels are filled with Scots dialogue that often includes devil words. His exotic portrayals of Highland life romanticized many traditional expressions.
Irvine Welsh Books
Contemporary authors like Irvine Welsh often employ devil terms in their gritty, urban Scottish works to capture local dialects. The devil epitomizes vices like greed and temptation.
Scottish Folklore
The Scots have a rich storytelling culture full of supernatural tales. The mystical “deil” appears frequently as a looming folk villain or spectral creature associated with sin.
Scottish Insults
Telling someone to “gang tae the deil” or calling them a “deil” are typical Scottish insults leveraging the devil’s negative connotations to offensively dismiss someone.
So the Scottish devil remains a vibrant cultural and linguistic emblem.
Conclusion
In Scottish dialects, there are a few common ways to say “devil” like “deil,” “deevil,” “divel,” and “nickum.” These terms have their origins in Old English, Scots, Dutch, and Germanic language influences. The devil features prominently in Scottish sayings, literature, and folklore as both a familiar figure of mischief and an ominous supernatural villain. So next time you want to add some authentic Scottish flair, you have some excellent devilish vocabulary to choose from! The complexity and diversity of the language offers many colorful options.