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What do Scots call beer?

Published in Scottish Gaelic 1 min read

While Scots widely use the English term "beer," in Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous Celtic language of Scotland, the word for beer is leann.

Scotland boasts a rich linguistic heritage, with English being the most commonly spoken language, alongside Scots and Scottish Gaelic. When referring to beverages in Gaelic, distinct terms are used, reflecting the depth of the language.

The term leann specifically denotes beer in Scottish Gaelic. It is part of a broader vocabulary related to drinks in the language. For instance, cider, which is often made from apples, is logically referred to as leann-ubhal, combining "leann" (beer/ale) with "ubhal" (apple).

To provide a clearer picture of some common drink terms in Scottish Gaelic, here is a breakdown:

English Scottish Gaelic
Alcohol Deoch làidir
A pint Pinnt
Beer Leann
Cider Leann-ubhal

Understanding these terms offers a glimpse into the cultural and linguistic nuances of Scotland. Resources like LearnGaelic.scot provide valuable insights into Scottish Gaelic vocabulary and phrases, making it accessible for learners.