Do you know your ‘Mirrie Dancers’ from your ‘unbrak’, or your ‘flukra’ from your ‘flin’? You’re about to! We’ve written this handy wee list of some of my favourite ‘coorie’ words to get you in the mood for a Scottish winter and hopefully inspire your holiday planning. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the snowy hills or something a little bit more cosy, there’s a Scottish word to learn more about the winter season.
‘Coorie’ – to snuggle or nestle in
If you know a wintry Scottish word, it’s probably ‘coorie.’ But what does it mean? In old Scots, it described crouching for shelter, often from the weather. These days, it’s the Scottish take on ‘hygge,’ all about cosiness, contentment, and togetherness.
And let’s be honest, winter in Scotland is prime coorie season! Think curling up by a wood-fired stove with a good book, braving the frost in chunky wool jumpers, gazing at twinkling Christmas lights, or devouring a hot bowl of stew. That’s coorie in action!
‘Flukra’ – large snowflakes falling
There’s something magical about watching the first snowflakes of winter drift down from the sky. When they fall in large, gentle flakes, Shetlanders call them ‘flukra.’ In the northeast, the Doric word for these big, fluffy flakes is ‘flaggie.’ Across Scotland’s languages, there are many words for snow and snowflakes (which says a lot about our winters!), but one of the most poetic comes from Gaelic: ‘spiandagan,’ used to describe a few delicate snowflakes floating on the wind.
As the first big flakes start to fall, it’s time to keep an eye on the snow conditions in the mountains and get ready for ski season! If skiing isn’t your thing, a gentle walk through snow-covered landscapes is equally rewarding—just be sure to check the conditions, stay safe, and #ThinkWINTER. And, of course, there’s always the option of enjoying the snowy view from indoors with a cozy fire and a wee dram.
‘Seasgair’ – cosy, protected, snug
‘Seasgair’ is the Gaelic answer to ‘coorie’—all about getting cozy and snuggling up, making it a perfect word for your winter vocabulary. To use it in a sentence, try this Gaelic phrase: ‘Cho seasgair ri luchag ann an cruach,’ meaning ‘as cozy as a little mouse in a haystack.’
If you’re ready to feel snug as a bug (or a mouse in a haystack), embrace the ‘seasgair’ spirit this winter by treating yourself to a warm Scottish getaway. From charming log cabins tucked in the hills to lodges with hot tubs, luxurious hotels and castles, or guesthouses with crackling log fires, Scotland has all the cozy options you could dream of.
‘Blin’ – threatening to rain or snow but coming to nothing
‘Blin’ has many different meanings in Scots, but when you’re talking about the weather it usually relates to quite a common occurrence. When it turns dark and clouds roll threateningly across the sky, you’ll be tempted to grab your umbrella and wellies or, if you’re like me, be getting excited for the first signs of snow. However, Scotland’s weather is nothing if not unpredictable, so this often comes to nothing! Sometimes that’s a relief, but it can also be disappointing if you’re expecting twinkling flakes of snow.
Scotland’s weather can get a bad rep, but if you embrace the shifting seasons you’ll discover there’s beauty to be found in all weathers here, whether it’s atmospheric mist clinging to the hills or the ‘coorie’ feeling of watching the drizzle from inside a cosy café. As the saying goes in Scotland, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’.
‘Gloaming’ – the time around dusk when the light glows
‘Gloaming’ is one of my favorite Scots words—it perfectly describes the golden light at dusk, especially in autumn and winter. Derived from the Old English word for twilight, ‘glom,’ it beautifully captures Scotland’s landscapes bathed in this magical light. With the low winter sun, particularly in the north, Scotland boasts spectacular skies of ever-changing hues.
Want to experience these stunning skies? Check out our article on the best spots to catch a Scottish sunset, featuring dramatic viewpoints and tips for capturing the perfect shot.
‘To brak da brüid’ – the first footprints in fresh snow
Waking to a world blanketed in snow is magical, and being the first to step out and leave footprints in the fresh powder is even better. In Scots, this is called ‘to brak da brüid,’ while ‘unbrak’ refers to the snow starting to thaw.
Whether you love winter walks through a snow globe-like landscape or prefer to wait until the snow begins to melt, now is the perfect time to breathe in the crisp air and explore. We’ve gathered a list of winter walks for you to enjoy—snow or no snow!
