Though most people will be familiar with Cockney rhyming slang, they perhaps won’t know that Scotland also has its own version.
Keeping up with Scots words, the accent and even regional dialects can be hard enough, but throw in Scotland’s love of word play and it can leave many without a Scooby (as in Doo – clue, get it?).
From asking someone if they are Corned Beef to going for a Chic Murray – here are some of our favourite Scottish rhyming slang phrases.
Chic Murray – Curry
Though many have started using another famous Scottish Murray for this one (Andy), it will always be the original and best for us.
Example: “Fancy a wee Chic Murray for dinner tonight? I canny be bothered cooking.”
Corned Beef – Deif/Deaf
This one sees corned beef rhymed with deif (the way Scots would pronounce deaf), and is usually aimed at someone who isn’t listening.
Example: “Listen pal, are you corned beef? I told you to beat it.”
Hauf Inch – Pinch
A good one for someone who is known to be on the light-fingered side.
Example: “Aye it’s a cracker eh? Wee Davey hauf inched it for us.”
Mick Jagger – Lager
If someone asks if you fancy a Mick Jagger, it’s usually an invite for a pint and not referring to the great man himself.
Example: “I’m guessing most us will be choking for a Mick Jagger when the restrictions are over and the pubs re-open.”
Hampden Roar – Score
Though you might think this would be used for football, it’s more likely to be used when asking for more details about something.
Example: “What’s the Hampden for later? Where are we going?”