In Scottish Gaelic, Scots refer to alcohol as deoch làidir. This term literally translates to "strong drink." While this is the specific term in Gaelic, it's also important to note that most Scots speak English and use a variety of English terms and slang for alcoholic beverages.
Scottish Gaelic Vocabulary for Alcohol and Drinks
The Scottish Gaelic language has specific terms for various beverages, including alcohol. The term deoch làidir is used to denote alcohol generally, distinguishing it from non-alcoholic "drinks" (deoch).
Here is a table summarizing key Scottish Gaelic terms related to drinks:
| English Term | Scottish Gaelic Term | Literal Meaning / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Deoch làidir | Strong drink |
| A drink | Deoch | Drink |
| A pint | Pinnt | Pint |
| Beer | Leann | Beer |
| Cider | Leann-ubhal | Apple beer (cider) |
Understanding these terms provides insight into how alcoholic beverages are categorized and referred to within the Gaelic language.
Common English Terms for Alcohol in Scotland
Given that English is widely spoken across Scotland, many common English terms and slang words for alcohol are also prevalent. Scots often use these terms in everyday conversation:
- Drink: A very common and general term, as in "fancy a drink?"
- Booze: A casual, informal term for alcohol.
- A dram: Traditionally refers to a measure of whisky, but can sometimes be used more broadly for a small drink of spirits.
- Bevvy: A colloquial term for an alcoholic drink, short for "beverage."
- Sauce: Sometimes used informally, particularly in phrases like "on the sauce," meaning regularly drinking alcohol.
These English terms are part of the broader vocabulary used by Scots when referring to alcohol in various social contexts.
