What is Doric?

The primary language spoken in Scotland is English however, the nation has a wide range of different accents and dialects, that may be helpful to learn/ understand ahead of your move to university! In Scotland’s North East, especially in Aberdeenshire, the traditional dialect and language is Doric. Find your Aberdeen student accommodation here (in English).

The dialect has a rich history of literature, ballads, songs, poetry and folklore, making it sound colourful, guttural and expressive. Nonetheless, in the past the language has been considered unsophisticated with its irregular verbs being mocked and rural, rugged tones sounding awkward. Doric has seen a renaissance recently, gaining more recognition with a Doric TV channel and interactive cultural map to help visitors discover Doric’s living oral, cultural and social history.

Common Everyday Phrases

• Aye, Aye! Hello!
• Fit like? How are you? Similar to ‘foos yer doos?’ – It doesn’t mean do you like to keep fit!
• Aye, pechin’ awa’. I’m fine, thanks.
• Fowk. People.
• Fit a driech aifterneen. What a miserable afternoon. Driech is the term to describe something that’s dreary or bleak, usually the weather.
• Fan’s dinner? When is dinner?
• Hud on a minty. Wait a second.
• I’m wabbit. I’m tired.

Doric Language Phrases

• Foos Yer Doos? How are you doing? Literally this translates to ‘how are your pigeons?’, don’t worry they are simply asking how you are! The Doric response to this is usually ‘nae bad, not bad’ or in most cases for students ‘jist chavin’ awa, just working away’.
• Far div ye bide? Where do you live?
• Dinna fash yerself. Don’t trouble yourself. (‘Fash’ can also mean ‘fish’ in Doric!)
• Cam ower an gie’s a bosie. Come over and give me a cuddle.
• Like snaa aff a dyke. Like snow off a wall. Things like a tasty, flaky, savoury bread roll, don’t sell out; they go ‘like snaa aff a dyke’.
• I’m pechin. I’m out of breath.
• Ye’re a sicht fer sair een. You’re a sight for sore eyes.
• If yer bradie’s ower het, ye’ll hae tae blaa it. If your pie is too hot, you’ll have to blow on it.
• Fit they deein doon the herbour wi aa thon crans an larries? What are they doing down at the harbour with all those cranes and lorries?
• It’s aye caul in Aiberdeenshire in November, myne an hap up! It’s always cold in Aberdeenshire in November, remember to wrap up!
• Fit a loon! What a man/boy!
• I’m fair trauchled. I’m exhausted.

Learn more about the Doric language and book your uni accommodation in Aberdeen.