Comments on: Scotch Gents This Way

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:46:00 +0000

The use of 'Scotch' was encouraged by me, GrammarBlog's Scotland correspondent, and my Scotch wife.

It was used in complete irony as I know the ire it (Scotch) provokes.

Interestingly, I have heard older Scotch folk refer to themselves as such, though I only use it as my Leodensian grandmother does, which I have always enjoyed.

It's Spanish referees the Scotch should be angry at right now, not grammar provocateurs.

By: Gez

Gez — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:27:00 +0000

I can't speak for Tom, who wrote the entry, but I met a man in a pub in Edingborough (I think his name was Jock McTaggart) who informed me that the Scotch loved to be referred to as such; apparently it reminds them how well looked after they are by British people.

I jest.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:10:00 +0000

I was hoping more for a “oops, typo” rather than a “Yup, we’re using archaic derogatory language on a blog about grammar”.But, of course I’m Scottish, why else would I object?

By: Gez

Gez — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:26:00 +0000

Not strictly true, Anonymous. Scotch is an adjective meaning from Scotland, albeit a pejorative one when referring to inhabitants. Are you Scottish, Anonymous? If you are then I understand your objection.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:04:00 +0000

Perhaps it was an intentional mistake but Scotch is a drink, Scots are people from Scotland.