Was just given a book of Scottish insults and curses...

**Katia** · 13th February 13, 07:37 PM

I can't wait to see these! I believe I've heard of the book before, but I've never seen it.

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Why is the so-called "comical" stereotype of a Scotsman a greedy, sloven boor? Although I'm an American, I do have Scots blood and I find the stereotype offensive.

*shrug* If we're referring to the clip, why is it a so-called "comical" stereotype that to be compared to a woman is an insult, either?

**David** · 14th February 13, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by Katia

I can't wait to see these! I believe I've heard of the book before, but I've never seen it.*shrug* If we're referring to the clip, why is it a so-called "comical" stereotype that to be compared to a woman is an insult, either?

A Jessie is not a woman, a Jessie is a Jessie. Scottish insults, at least in my exeriance, are not really aimed at causing real insult that is likely to hurt someone or even offend them, they are more often used to put someone in their place, or deride their opinions, actions, etc. When used correclty they are often very funny, especially to an on looker. If I were to call a Samuri warrior a "Jessie", I'd do it from a distance, in order to make good my escape. If I had enough distance between us, I might even call him a "big Jessie".

**neloon** · 14th February 13, 07:11 AM

I'm not familiar with the book but its title suggests a focus on Glasgow patter. Nobody outside the Central belt would dream of calling someone a "Jessie". If I wanted to express irritation at someone, I would call them a "Feel gype".
Alan

**tulloch** · 14th February 13, 02:05 PM

Does it have a glossary?

**TheOfficialBren** · 14th February 13, 02:08 PM

"Feel gype?" please explain. The Scottish lexicon is interesting and entertaining.

**neloon** · 14th February 13, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

"Feel gype?" please explain. The Scottish lexicon is interesting and entertaining.

"feel" = fool or foolish (usually spelled "fuil" elsewhere in Scotland)
"gype" = stupid-looking person (from Norse - related to "gawp")
So it really just means "stupid fool" - pronounced as it looks.
Other similar expressions are available!
e.g. "Ye glaikit gomeril" with the same meaning.

You might like to see if you can hear "gype" in this Bothy Ballad in Doric (the name for Northeast Scots). Here it's "Ye muckle gype" = You big fool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enw78QfLCZM
(You will appreciate that Nicky Tams are really for keeping breeks (trousers) slack for easy bending while working.)

Just noticed "Awa an bile yer heid" in this one - a modern comedy song from Fife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ681Uy8ICc
(The lyrics might help you!)
http://scottishparodies.tripod.com/l...rics/id52.html
Alan

**llyd** · 14th February 13, 02:39 PM

Equates to the Mexican "Pendejo"...as the Spaniard called the Highlander...lol....

**TheOfficialBren** · 14th February 13, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by neloon

"feel" = fool or foolish (usually spelled "fuil" elsewhere in Scotland)
"gype" = stupid-looking person (from Norse - related to "gawp")
So it really just means "stupid fool" - pronounced as it looks.
Other similar expressions are available!
e.g. "Ye glaikit gomeril" with the same meaning.

You might like to see if you can hear "gype" in this Bothy Ballad in Doric (the name for Northeast Scots). Here it's "Ye muckle gype" = You big fool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enw78QfLCZM
(You will appreciate that Nicky Tams are really for keeping breeks (trousers) slack for easy bending while working.)

Just noticed "Awa an bile yer heid" in this one - a modern comedy song from Fife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ681Uy8ICc
Alan

That was an absolute joy to watch! Thanks for posting and thanks for sharing a bit of the Scottish turn of phrase, Alan. It made my day.

**llyd** · 14th February 13, 03:26 PM

Some of this stuff is hard to read, and some is a bit boring, and some is incomprehensible..lol....

My favorite so far...
The hielan man he wears the kilt, even when it's snowin'
He kens na' where the wind comes frae, but he kens fine where it's goin'! -Joe Gordon..The Highland Chorus.

Wi' shanks like tha', ye better hae stuck to breeks!

F*** off, ye plukey-faced wee hing-oot! -Irvine Welsh

Even a boiled egg tastes like mutton fat in England. -Norman Douglas..Old Calabria

The Englishman remains everlastingly adolescent. -Norman Douglas

I have never had to try to get my act across to a on english speaking audience, except at the Glasgow Empire. -Arthur Askey..English comedian

My wife lies here, conveniently, she is at rest, and so am I.. -transcription from a perthshire graveyard

Beneath this silent tomb is laid,
a noisy antiquated maid,
who from her cradle talked 'til death,
and n'er before was out of breath.

It is a pretty good read so far...There is a one page glossary of insulting terms...Jessie is included..

**llyd** · 18th February 13, 07:10 PM

Ok....my final analysis is that if you know something about English and Scottish history, and/or have spent any time in Scotland, then this book is worth the read...amd pretty amusing...I know little of Scot history, but have been in country several times...especially in Glezca...