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Edinburgh words & sayings

A light-hearted guide to the Scots words, sayings and Edinburgh lore you'll come across in the city and the Lothians, and how (not) to use them on a date.

Scots words and sayings

Braw
Fine, good or lovely. "It's a braw day" is high praise for Edinburgh weather.
In dating: A braw first date is all anyone's hoping for.
Ken
Know, as in "I ken" or "d'ye ken?". Often dropped into a sentence just for the rhythm.
In dating: If they say "ken", they're local. Ken?
Blether
A good long chat, or someone who talks a lot.
In dating: A proper blether over a coffee is a great first date.
Haar
The cold sea fog that rolls in off the Firth of Forth, sometimes on an otherwise sunny day.
In dating: A haar is the perfect excuse to head indoors for a warm drink.
Dreich
Dull, grey and damp weather. A well-used Scots word.
In dating: A dreich day is made for a cosy café.
Glaikit
Looking a bit vacant or daft.
In dating: Everyone looks a wee bit glaikit when they're nervous. It's fine.
Scran
Food.
In dating: Good scran and good chat...that's a first date sorted.
Peely wally
Pale and a bit washed out.
In dating: Nobody looks their best peely wally. Pick a sunny photo for your profile.
Outwith
Outside of, or beyond. A Scots word that turns up in everyday Edinburgh English.
In dating: Dating outwith your usual circle is how you meet someone new.

Edinburgh lore and traditions

Auld Reekie
Edinburgh's old nickname, "Old Smoky", from the days of coal fires and chimney smoke over the Old Town.
In dating: The smoke has gone, but the old pubs are still a great place for a first drink.
The Athens of the North
A nickname from the Enlightenment, when Edinburgh was full of thinkers, and from the classical buildings on Calton Hill.
In dating: Calton Hill at sunset is one of the best first date spots in the city.
The One O'Clock Gun
A gun fired from Edinburgh Castle at one o'clock every day except Sunday, first used to help ships set their clocks.
In dating: Arrange to meet at one and you'll both hear when it's time.
Arthur's Seat
The old volcano in Holyrood Park, right in the middle of the city.
In dating: A walk to the top is a classic Edinburgh date. Bring a jacket.
The Royal Mile
The run of streets from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse through the Old Town.
In dating: Busy with visitors, but the closes and courtyards off it are full of quiet surprises.
The Heart of Midlothian
A heart shape set in the cobbles on the Royal Mile, marking the site of an old prison. Locals spit on it for luck.
In dating: Maybe don't do that on a first date.
Greyfriars Bobby
The loyal Skye terrier said to have guarded his owner's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for years.
In dating: Loyalty is a lovely quality. Look for it in a partner too.
The Festival
Every August the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, the biggest arts festival in the world.
In dating: A Fringe show is an easy, fun date, and there's something on for every taste.
Hogmanay
The Scottish New Year, and Edinburgh's street party is famous around the world.
In dating: A New Year's date nobody forgets.

Scots words change from place to place, and what you hear in Leith isn't always what you hear in Morningside. Got a favourite we've missed? Tell us when you join.

Don't be shy. Go and meet someone.

Put a few of these to use with singles who'll know exactly what you mean.

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