General
haver
What does haver mean?
To speak foolishly, ramble or talk rubbish. Known worldwide from The Proclaimers' 'when I haver'.
"Quit yer haverin' and gie me a straight answer."
Origin
Scots, of uncertain origin; well established in Scots and northern English for foolish or rambling talk.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'haver' mean in Scots?
To talk nonsense, ramble or babble foolishly. 'Havers' as a noun means foolish or rambling talk.
Is 'haver' from the Proclaimers song?
No, the word is much older, but many people first hear it in 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' with the line 'when I haver', which means when I talk nonsense.
Does 'haver' mean to hesitate?
In some English usage 'haver' can mean to dither or hesitate, but the core Scots sense is to talk foolishly or ramble.
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