Scottish Dictionary Explains that a Pig Is Something Else

The first complete dictionary of the Scottish language, a variation of English often incomprehensible to other Britons, was published Thursday.

The Concise Scots Dictionary is an 864-page volume listing Scottish--or Scots-- words from the 12th Century to the present day. It was published by the Aberdeen University Press.

Many words are still used, such as “pinky” for the little finger. But others can confuse the traveler, who when offered a “pig” will be presented with an earthenware hot water bottle.

Unlike the Celtic languages spoken in Wales, Ireland and Britanny, mainstream Scottish is derived from Old English.

Originally imported by tribes of Angles, it gradually displaced Gaelic, senior editor Iseabail Mcleod said. It also became increasingly divergent from English until in the 15th Century it was practically a separate language.

Political union with England in 1707, however, spelled the end for linguistic independence.