There are several common phrases and words that Scottish people use to express agreement or say “yes” in conversation. While the English word “yes” is still widely used, there are some more colorful and distinctive Scottish alternatives that are popular throughout the country.
Aye
“Aye” is perhaps the most well-known Scottish word for yes. It’s thought to derive from the Old Norse word “já,” meaning yes or yeah. “Aye” is used across Scotland as an informal way of agreeing or saying yes to something.
Some examples of “aye” in a sentence would be:
- “Aye, I’ll join you for a pint after work.”
- “Aye, that’s a good idea.”
- “Are you coming to the ceilidh on Saturday? Aye, I wouldn’t miss it.”
It can also be used as a sort of tag question by adding it to the end of a statement, like “It’s a nice day today, aye?”
Aye Right
In Scotland, “aye right” is used sarcastically to express disbelief or disagreement with a statement. It’s the Scottish version of saying “yeah, right!” in a skeptical or disbelieving tone. Some examples:
- “He says he’s going to buy a Ferrari. Aye right!”
- “She told me she’s Beyonce’s cousin. Aye right, pull the other one!”
Too Right
Unlike “aye right,” the phrase “too right” expresses enthusiastic agreement in Scottish slang. For example:
- “This beer is delicious!” “Too right, the best I’ve had in ages.”
- “We should go to the pub after this.” “Too right, let’s do it!”
Absolutely
Just like other English speakers, Scots sometimes say “absolutely” to express agreement or affirm something emphatically. For example:
- “Should we order dessert?” “Absolutely!”
- “Are you free this weekend? Let’s meet up.” “Absolutely, sounds great.”
No Bother
“No bother” is a uniquely Scottish way of happily agreeing to a request or offer. It expresses that the ask is no problem at all or no trouble. Some examples of using this phrase:
- “Can you help me move flats this weekend?” “No bother, happy to help out.”
- “Would you mind watching the kids for an hour?” “No bother at all!”
Aye Aye!
In Scotland, “aye aye!” is used to express cheerful agreement, similar to saying “aye!” but with more enthusiasm. It can suggest the person is pleased or happy to agree to something. For example:
- “We’re going to the pub if you want to join.” “Aye aye! Count me in.”
- “I was thinking of making lasagne for dinner.” “Aye aye! My favorite.”
Sure
“Sure” is commonly used in Scotland among younger people to casually affirm or agree to something, like in other English-speaking countries. Some examples are:
- “Are you going to the football match?” “Sure, wouldn’t miss it!”
- “Let’s meet at 8:00.” “Sure, that works for me.”
Nae Bother
“Nae bother” is another way Scots say “no problem” or “no trouble” when happily agreeing to something. “Nae” means “no” in Scottish slang. Some examples are:
- “Can you help me move this furniture?” “Nae bother, I can do that.”
- “Do you mind watching the kids for a few hours?” “Nae bother at all!”
Awright
“Awright” is an informal Scottish way of saying “alright” or “okay” when agreeing to plans or a request. For example:
- “Let’s meet at the pub at 8:00.” “Awright, sounds good!”
- “Can you pick up some milk on your way home?” “Awright, no problem.”
Naw Worries
Similar to “no bother,” Scots say “naw worries” to happily convey “no worries” or “no problem” in response to a question or favor. Some examples are:
- “Could you help me move this weekend?” “Naw worries, I’m free.”
- “Do you mind watching my cat while I’m away?” “Naw worries, I’d be happy to.”
I’m Aye
“I’m aye” is another way of casually agreeing in Scottish slang that means “I’m always” or “for sure.” For instance:
- “Are you going to come out with us tonight?” “I’m aye!”
- “Can you make it to the party on Saturday?” “I’m aye!”
Whit?
“Whit?” on its own in Scottish slang expresses surprise or disbelief, but it can also be used to casually say yes or yeah. For example:
- “Are you serious you won £1,000?” “Whit? No way!”
- “So you’ll help me move then?” “Whit? Aye no problem.”
Ken
“Ken” is a Scottish word meaning “know” that can be used informally to mean “you know” or “you understand.” It’s often used at the end of sentences like “isn’t it” or “right.” Some examples are:
- “It’s cold today, ken?”
- “This film is brilliant, ken?”
- “I’m going to the pub later, you can join me, ken?”
Aye Ken
Building off of “ken,” the phrase “aye ken” means something akin to “I know, right?” or “isn’t that so?” when agreeing with a statement. For example:
- “This curry is so spicy!” “Aye ken, I can barely handle it.”
- “The train was late again today.” “Aye ken, it’s always delayed.”
Right Enough
“Right enough” is used in Scotland to say “right enough” or “that’s true” when concurring with something. Some examples are:
- “It looks like rain today.” “Right enough, good thing I brought an umbrella.”
- “This cafe makes the best scones.” “Right enough, they’re delicious.”
Braw
“Braw” is a classic Scottish word meaning “great” or “brilliant.” Saying just “braw” to agree with something means “great” or “very good.” For instance:
- “I got concert tickets for tonight.” “Braw!”
- “Let’s go to the new restaurant in town.” “Braw, I heard it’s meant to be excellent.”
Sound
“Sound” is used in Scotland to mean something is good, fine, or okay. It’s often used casually to agree with plans or requests. Some examples:
- “Let’s meet at 8:00 tonight.” “Sound, that works for me.”
- “Could you give me a ride to work?” “Sound, no problem at all.”
Informal Agreement Words in Scottish Dialects
There are also some regional variations and Scottish dialect words used to agree or say yes throughout different parts of Scotland:
| Scottish Dialect | Agreement Words |
|---|---|
| Doric (Northeast Scotland) | Aye |
| Scots (South/Central Scotland) | Aye, awright |
| Glaswegian (Glasgow) | Aye, too right, sound |
| Dundonian (Dundee) | Aye, sound |
| Orcadian (Orkney Islands) | Aye |
Conclusion
While “yes” is commonly said throughout Scotland, there are a variety of more colorful idiomatic Scottish phrases used to agree with something including: aye, too right, absolutely, no bother, aye aye, awright, nae bother, ken, braw, and sound. The local dialect also influences the exact vocabulary used to say yes in different Scottish regions.
So next time you’re traveling around Scotland or speaking with a Scot, listen for these fun and lively expressions of agreement beyond just a simple “yes.” It adds to the charm of Scottish slang and culture!