Publish date: 2024-04-22

If you're a fan of Outlander but not used to the Gaelic or Scottish language, you might have found yourself floundering a wee bit with certain phrases, words or expressions.

Dinna fash (don't fuss/worry) though, you won't be the only ones.

Both the Scots leid and Gaelic expressions used throughout the show were traditionally used across Scotland and most of those featured in Outlander are still common throughout the country today.

To help get a better understanding, we've put together a list of some of the most popular examples used by Jamie Fraser and his fellow Scots in the hit show.

Outlander Scots/Doric expressions

Dinna Fash - This means don't fuss/worry, it doesn't matter.

(This is a Doric phrase meaning it's mostly used in the northeast of Scotland, so don't worry if a Glaswegian has no idea what you mean)

Bairn/Wean - Baby or child

(You'll find wean is mostly used on the west coast and bairn on the east coast but not always)

The best of Outlander

Besom - Pronounced 'Bizum', this is a word used to describe a woman in a derogatory manner.

Greet - To Cry.

Ken/Dinna Ken - Ken is the Scots word for know so if someone kens you, they know you but if they dinna ken, then they don't know.

Daft - Another word for stupid as in "Dinna be daft, lass".

Bonnie - The Scots word for pretty or good looking.

Gomeral - Not in common use anymore this means a simpleton or fool.

Wee beasties - A Scots term for insects.

Peely Wally - An expression meaning pale or sickly.

Laird - A Scots word for a landowner.

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Outlander Gaelic Expressions

Slainte Mhath (Slan chi Va) - A toast used when drinking whisky meaning Good Health!

Mo nighean donn (Mo-neein-down) - A Gaelic expression meaning 'My Brown Haired Lass'.

Mo chridhe (Mo cree) - 'My heart'

Sassenach - An older term used to describe the English or sometimes just outsiders. (Thought to have derived from the term Saxon)

A leannan - 'My darling'

Gradh - Gaelic term for love.

M'annsachd – my blessing.

Mac Dubh - Son of the Black (Jamie's nickname at Ardmuir prison).

Sgian Dhu - (ski-en doo) a small knife usually tucked into the sock, stilled used ceremonially in traditional kilts at formal events.

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