Scottish people have many stereotypes that they are known for worldwide. The “rugged landscape of the far north of Britain” is home to only 5.3 million people however they have managed to spread themselves far and wide over the centuries. Americans are often trying to trace their lineage back to that Scot that fought at the Battle of Culloden or visit that castle where my great-great-great grandfather lived.
Haggis, bagpipes, Irn Bru and deep fried Mars bars are just a few stereotypical Scottish items every Scot will have to explain at some point in their travels. However what are the top things to say to Scot that will provoke a reaction. Here is a list of 12 comments you shouldn’t say to a Scot…
You must be allergic to the sun
True Scotland does not see high temperatures that often. As soon as the thermometer reads 18°C that’s it, taps aff and BBQ and beers in the park! Wanting to soak up every drop of the sun means you can be left with some dubious looking sun burn…
Are you a true Scotsman?
No matter whether you are a girl or a guy Scottish people will be asked, ” Are all men that wear kilts true Scotsmen.” Men who wear kilts in public, especially if they walk down Princes Street or Buchanan Street, could file hundreds of sexual harassment report for the number of times they get their kilt lifted up!
Deep fried food is disgusting.
This is a comment made by someone who hasn’t tried. Scotland is renowned for its love of the deep fat fryer. Although it is not the healthiest, in fact it is more likely to lead to coronary heart disease, there is a reason why every chippy has it on offer. It’s delicious! Whether you fancy white pudding, black pudding, haggis, pizza, mars bar, bounty, crunchie…. it can all get a crispy, oily coating!
Haggis is awful…
If you know what is in Haggis, it is unlikely you would want to try it… sheep’s heart, lungs and liver mixed with oatmeal, spices and salt then stuffed into a sheep’s stomach lining. It doesn’t sound appealing but it is really delicious! Especially if you go to an Indian in Glasgow and ask for some haggis pakoras, you’ll be surprised!
Is this real money?
Scottish people are proud of their Scottish designed notes and can get a bit shirty if a shopkeeper south of the border looks at it a bit dubiously! It’s legal tender, I’ll have you know!
You live in Inverness, do you know my friend ‘Iain’?
Scotland is a small country but it is still home to more than 5 million people… Inverness may be in “far north” in geographical terms to London but it does not mean everyone is connected. There is at least 60, 000 people living in the town remember!
Irn Bru, eh no thank you!
This vibrant orange drink can be found in every supermarket in Scotland and is one of the only soft drinks in the world which out sells Coca-cola in a country. Full of additives, preservatives and E-numbers, it is often a stable item in a Scots diet, especially if you are suffering from a hangover! Try it, you’ll be surprised!
Why are you so tight with your money?
Scots are known for being stingy with their money and always looking for a bargain. The latter might be true as every Scot likes a good deal but when in the bar they’ll be the first to offer a round and will be generous with their cash to help others.
Ah I now understand why you like a drink!
Excuse me what’s that meant to mean?! Is it not the bracing weather and miserable short days in winter that lead you to the booze? No, it is the good quality drinks on offer, whisky, beer, gin… buckfast?! Who doesn’t like to get festive?
Freeeedom!
Since the Scottish Independence Referendum every Scot will get embroiled in a discussion about independence regardless of their political views. However well before the 2014 referendum, Meg Gibson also has a lot to blame for this stereotype that we are all barbarian, face painted Scots fighting for our freedom!
Is Scotland part of England?
Even if you don’t support independence this comment can wind you up. However every nation in the United Kingdom is patriotic for their country especially when it comes to sports like the rugby or football. You always need a bit of friendly rivalry… The same comment would wind up the Welsh just as much.
Andy Murray is a British Champion but always a Scottish loser
This can often be a sore comment for Scots. It is often the case that if a Scottish sports player excels in their field (which is a relatively rare feat it has to be admitted) they are seen as a British Champion. However as soon as they lose their game they return to their Scottish roots!
Source: BBC, Cultural Trip
