Scots
4 synonyms for Scots, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A Germanic language closely related to English, traditionally spoken in Lowland Scotland.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A Germanic language closely related to English, traditionally spoken in Lowland Scotland.
“The poem was written in Scots, not standard English.”
Etymology
From Middle Scots Scottis, from Old English Scyttisc, "Scottish."
Full origin of Scots →Frequently asked questions
What does “Scots” mean?
The word “Scots” means a Germanic language closely related to English, traditionally spoken in Lowland Scotland. In plain terms, refers either to the traditional language of Lowland Scotland or, as an adjective, to anything Scottish.
How do you pronounce “Scots”?
“Scots” is pronounced skots (/skɒts/ in IPA).
How do you use “Scots” in a sentence?
Here is “Scots” used in a sentence: “The poem was written in Scots, not standard English.”
What part of speech is “Scots”?
Depending on how it is used, “Scots” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “Scots” come from?
The word “Scots” comes from Old English. From Middle Scots Scottis, from Old English Scyttisc, "Scottish.".
Is “Scots” a common word?
“Scots” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Scots” have?
“Scots” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Germanic language closely related to English, traditionally spoken in Lowland Scotland.
What is the difference between Scots, Scottish, and Scotch?
Scots most often refers to the Germanic language traditionally spoken in Lowland Scotland, while Scottish is the standard adjective for anything relating to Scotland or its people. Scotch is largely restricted to the whisky today and is avoided as a description of people.
Is Scots a dialect of English or a separate language?
Scots is described as a Germanic language closely related to English rather than simply a dialect, though the exact boundary between a distinct language and a variety of English is often debated. It developed alongside English but retains its own vocabulary and grammar.
When should "Scots" be used instead of "Scottish" as an adjective?
"Scots" is typically used in specific set phrases such as "Scots law" or "Scots pine," while "Scottish" is the general-purpose adjective for people, culture, and things relating to Scotland. Using "Scottish" is safer in most everyday contexts.
