Scots should know that some of our colorful slogans translate differently across the pond
Scotland fans may face a language barrier in America if they use certain slang words(Photo: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup is bringing a wave of support across the Atlantic – but some fans may find the biggest challenge is not Haiti’s defense but the language barrier.
Thousands of Scots have already come to America before WC 2026with many more expected to arrive in the coming days as Steve Clarke’s side prepare for their first game against Haiti on Saturday 13 June at Boston Stadium.
The Tartan army is known for creating a strong atmosphere wherever Scotland play, with supporters traveling from all corners of the country to support the national team on the biggest stage. But while Scotland and the USA can share the English language, there are lots of words and phrases that mean very different things on either side of the Atlantic.
People across Scotland are known for their slang expressions, using words like wain, bogging and outwith that are rarely heard outside the country. These colorful euphemisms often leave a non-Scottish person completely confused by the end of the conversation.
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And it looks like the Tartan Army may be running into the same problem in America. Fortunately, the X account @1scottish banter has put together a handy guide to help Scotland supporters avoid awkward misunderstandings – or worse – while in the US.
The post joked, “Read carefully to avoid confusing the locals, deeply offending the country, or being questioned by Homeland Security over a sandwich.”
The essential Scottish to American translation guide
Piece
- In America – Gun
- In Scotland – Sandwich
- Tip – Don’t cheerfully tell US airport security that your grandma “packed you a piece” for the flight. They will close the whole terminal and you will never see Scotland again.
Messages
- In America – text messages and voicemails
- In Scotland – Your shopping
- Tip – It will cause concern if you advertise the room that you are “snapping out to get the messages”. Americans will wonder why you have to go to the stores to check your group chat.
Soccer
- In America – American football
- In Scotland – Football
- Tip – Don’t fall for their bullshit. They are wrong. It’s soccer, not soccer.
Ride
- In America – Lift in a car
- In Scotland – Depends on how the night goes
- Tip – If a local asks you for a “quick ride”, they just want a life in your rental car. Keep your pants secure with a zipper.
Tea
- In America – Hot drink
- In Scotland – Dinner
- Tip – If you complain that you’re starving because you “haven’t had your tea yet”, the locals will assume you have a life-threatening addiction to Earl Grey.
Greet
- In America – A warm welcome
- In Scotland – Cry
- Tip – A Scot can greet at a funeral, a wedding and a last minute winner. The American next to them will be very impressed by how friendly they are.
Randy
- In America – A man’s name
- In Scotland – In the mood
- Tip – If an American greets you with ‘Hi, I’m Randy’, don’t reply ‘Good for you, big man.’ He means his name.
Fanny
- In America – The Back
- In Scotland – Not your backside
- Tip – If an American compliments your fanny, smile. No need to check your zipper.
Arrangement
- In American – A sneaky, sneaky plan
- In Scotland – A residential area
- Tip – If an American admits they have a “crazy get rich scheme,” resist the urge to ask if the rent is cheap and the neighbors are quiet.
Shag
- In America – A haircut or a blanket
- In Scotland – Coitus
- Tip – If an American says ‘great shag’, they are admiring your haircut. Or the carpet. Almost certainly one of the two – in your case for sure.
John
- In America – Toilet
- In Scotland – A man named John
- Tip – If an American frantically asks you “where’s John”, don’t point them at your mate at the end of the bar.
Rubber
- In America – Condom
- In Scotland – Eraser
- Tip – Lovingly telling an American that you “used to chew on your gum at school” will prompt an immediate call to local authorities. Keep your educational memories to yourself.
Rocket
- In America – A spaceship
- In Scotland – An absolute idiot
- Tip – If you call a bouncer “an absolute rocket”, don’t expect him to be offended. He’ll just assume you praise his explosive speed and aerodynamic physique.
