Scottish

The word “Scottish” means relating to Scotland, its people, or its culture. In plain terms, the adjective and collective noun for Scotland and its people.

“Scottish” is pronounced SKOT-ihsh (/ˈskɑ.tɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “Scottish” used in a sentence: “She has a strong Scottish accent.”

Depending on how it is used, “Scottish” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “Scottish” comes from Old English. From Old English Scyttisc, built from Scot plus the adjective ending -ish; it is a close cousin of the words Scotch and Scot.

“Scottish” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Scottish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to Scotland, its people, or its culture.

'Scottish' (or 'Scots') is the correct adjective for the people, culture and country of Scotland — Scottish music, a Scottish accent. 'Scotch' is now used mainly for certain products, such as Scotch whisky, Scotch eggs and Scotch broth. Describing a person as 'Scotch' is considered old-fashioned and best avoided.

Both are correct. 'Scots' is often preferred for people and for the Scots language, as in 'a Scotsman' or 'the Scots'. 'Scottish' works broadly as the general adjective for anything relating to Scotland. In most contexts the two are interchangeable, though 'Scots' can sound a little more traditional.

Tartan cloth, kilts, bagpipes and the Highland games are all strongly associated with Scottish culture. So are foods like haggis and shortbread, the Scots and Scottish Gaelic languages, and landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle. Anything relating to Scotland, its people or its traditions can be called Scottish.