The hope for “taps aff” weather vs the expectation of the cold “dreich” cloudy weather. Scottish weather is always a big topic of conversation.
Cold, wet and windy is the the norm with Scotland but you can expect the ‘taps’ to be ‘aff’ when even a slight bit of sunshine shows it face. Who doesn’t love a Scottish summer when it comes around? However, predictably, the word “dreich” (Scots for grey, wet and damp weather) was voted the ‘most iconic Scots word’ a few years ago. No shock there then.
As per the University of Glasgow, there are 400 Scottish words for ‘snow’ and just over a hundred for ‘rain’, however, we have picked out the 37 best Scottish terms to describe Scotland’s beloved yet chaotic weather.
17. Glabber
After a pish-oot season you'll find glabber (soft wed mud) everywhere - as it eventually dries to soft sticky mud it will be known as glaur. Photo: Tarasylo via Canva Pro
18. Sea Fret
Dinnae fret (don't fear) if you see an incoming fret - this is a piercingly cold and damp mist coming in from the sea. Photo: Oscar de Lama via Canva Pro
19. Fissle
A fissle describes the rustling noises produced as the wind courses through trees and rattles their leaves. Photo: SrdjanPav via Canva Pro
20. Gouling
A gouling day is one recognised as being stormy, in particular for having very strong winds - you'll notice there aren't a lot of words or phrases for "sunny" or "gentle breeze" so far... Photo: Diegoo via Canva Pro