General
wean
What does wean mean?
A child or young one. Chiefly used in Glasgow and west-central Scotland where 'bairn' gives way to 'wean'.
"Keep an eye on the weans while I get the messages."
Origin
A blend of Scots 'wee' (small) and 'ane' (one), literally 'wee one'; pronounced 'wain'.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'wean' mean in Scots?
It means a child or young one. It is the usual word for a kid in Glasgow and west-central Scotland.
How do you pronounce 'wean'?
It is said 'wain', rhyming with 'rain', not like the English verb 'to wean'.
Where does 'wean' come from?
It is a blend of Scots 'wee' (small) and 'ane' (one), so it literally means 'wee one'.
What's the difference between 'wean' and 'bairn'?
Both mean child. 'Wean' dominates in Glasgow and the west, while 'bairn' is more common in the east and north of Scotland.
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