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Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers: A Treasury of 1,000 Scottish Words
A celebration of the irreplaceable magic of language. Here is the evocative vocabulary, wit and wisdom of the Scots language – in 1,000 gems.
A celebration of the irreplaceable magic of language, and the wit and wisdom of 1,000 Scottish words. The Scots language is an ancient and lyrical tongue, inherently linked to the country's history and identity, its land and culture. In Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers, Robin Crawford has gathered 1,000 words from his native land - old and new, classical and colloquial, rural and urban - in a joyful and witty celebration of their continuing usage and unique character.
1. violent wind 2. blow on a trumpet 3. vanity, blowing one's own trumpet. Notoriously all three in the polemic 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women' published by John Knox in 1558, but more tenderly by Burns in 'Oh wert thou in the cauld blast'
the passing on of idle gossip, sometimes in a book.
Simmer Shetland term for long summer evenings where due to the northern latitude it never really gets dark.
Bam (bampot): a fool or someone who behaves in a foolish manner, liable to inconvenience others by their actions, e.g. the guy who got on the Glasgow-Edinburgh Express train the other day and pulled the emergency brake cord when it didn't stop at his station, forced open the doors then wandered off down the track bringing the whole of rush-hour commuter train travel in Central Scotland to a halt.
A celebration of the irreplaceable magic of language, and the wit and wisdom of 1,000 Scottish words. The Scots language is an ancient and lyrical tongue, inherently linked to the country's history and identity, its land and culture. In Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers, Robin Crawford has gathered 1,000 words from his native land - old and new, classical and colloquial, rural and urban - in a joyful and witty celebration of their continuing usage and unique character.
1. violent wind 2. blow on a trumpet 3. vanity, blowing one's own trumpet. Notoriously all three in the polemic 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women' published by John Knox in 1558, but more tenderly by Burns in 'Oh wert thou in the cauld blast'
the passing on of idle gossip, sometimes in a book.
Simmer Shetland term for long summer evenings where due to the northern latitude it never really gets dark.
Bam (bampot): a fool or someone who behaves in a foolish manner, liable to inconvenience others by their actions, e.g. the guy who got on the Glasgow-Edinburgh Express train the other day and pulled the emergency brake cord when it didn't stop at his station, forced open the doors then wandered off down the track bringing the whole of rush-hour commuter train travel in Central Scotland to a halt.
- GenresScotlandWordsNonfiction
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2021
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Robin A. Crawford
3 books1 followerRobin A. Crawford is an author and illustrator, with a particular interest in the culture and natural heritage of Scotland. His first book, Into the Peatlands: A Journey through the Moorland Year, was longlisted for the Highland Book Prize.
He lives in Auchtermuchty in Fife.
He lives in Auchtermuchty in Fife.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 20, 2020
This is the second dictionary that I have read cover to cover in my life time, the first one was what got me through some terribly dull times at school, it was the dictionary of slang and was good fun to read. I got much more fun out of Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers though, my wife is from Motherwell and it was nice to finally have a book to explain the meanings of those lovely pet names she has for me; eejit and Sassenach being the ones most commonly used.
I know this isn’t a full dictionary but I still call it that because it works the same, you have the word, then it’s origin, pronunciation, definition, examples of usage and now and then a well known quote using that word. One really good part of the book was the examples, not only were they humourous but previous words were included in the example, this was a great way to actually learn the words, see them in everyday use and to not end up just reading the definition and moving on. I am rubbish with accents so having somebody Scottish available to read out the phrases is a must have, the language is very inventive and the Scottish sense of humour comes through big time. Many words seem to leap out of the pages when you recognise one, i.e. Jobby, when I hear that word instantly I picture Billy Connolly and one of his great jokes.
There was one word here that was new to the family which we all loved, now whenever one of us spots a bee you are guaranteed that somebody will shout out “there’s a hairy bummer!” Just waiting on a call from the youngest’s school to ask why she is shouting things at bees.
I have enjoyed reading this and will be keeping in on my shelf ready for when I want to give Burn’s poetry a go, I reckon this will be very helpful addition to understanding his work. Since reading this book I have actually been able to put it to use a couple of times, reading Kathleen Jamie’s “Surfacing” I was able to look up a couple of the words she used. I got a copy of another book by Crawford for my birthday, Into the Peatlands and am looking forward to reading that.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
I know this isn’t a full dictionary but I still call it that because it works the same, you have the word, then it’s origin, pronunciation, definition, examples of usage and now and then a well known quote using that word. One really good part of the book was the examples, not only were they humourous but previous words were included in the example, this was a great way to actually learn the words, see them in everyday use and to not end up just reading the definition and moving on. I am rubbish with accents so having somebody Scottish available to read out the phrases is a must have, the language is very inventive and the Scottish sense of humour comes through big time. Many words seem to leap out of the pages when you recognise one, i.e. Jobby, when I hear that word instantly I picture Billy Connolly and one of his great jokes.
There was one word here that was new to the family which we all loved, now whenever one of us spots a bee you are guaranteed that somebody will shout out “there’s a hairy bummer!” Just waiting on a call from the youngest’s school to ask why she is shouting things at bees.
I have enjoyed reading this and will be keeping in on my shelf ready for when I want to give Burn’s poetry a go, I reckon this will be very helpful addition to understanding his work. Since reading this book I have actually been able to put it to use a couple of times, reading Kathleen Jamie’s “Surfacing” I was able to look up a couple of the words she used. I got a copy of another book by Crawford for my birthday, Into the Peatlands and am looking forward to reading that.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
August 21, 2020
I have always loved the country and have visited a number of times including one glorious holiday alongside Loch Goil just where it opens out to Loch Long. Thankfully, the time we were there we weren’t inundated with the dreaded midges. Whilst I have Scottish blood from my grandfather swilling around somewhere within, I must admit I am not that fond of haggis. Whisky, however… I have almost always been able to understand the accent, bar one case where it was so broad that I did struggle a bit.
As well as the beautiful Gallic language that is spoken by some in Scotland they have their own patois and dialect that is distinctively different from the regular English language. Robin A Crawford has collected 1000 of these words from all walks of life and from the modern-day and rummaging through their linguist history for the words that remain in use after hundreds of years.
So if you want to know what a deil’s darning needle or a tourist eagle is, of how you are feeling when you’re forefochen or if you have runkled or fankled something is a good place to start. The range of subjects covered by the words is fascinating, know the difference between an oxter and pintil will save many a red face later on. There are words that most will be familiar with, i.e. neaps, the Tartan Arm and a Glaswegian kiss are pretty much mainstream across the country now.
With each word is a short definition and often an example of usage, very helpful for some of the more obscure ones such as doech-an-doris, lea-rig and stooshie. I thought that this was a delightful collection of words that Crawford has brought together, into this book. I really enjoy learning all things about language and have read a large number of books on the subject. Crawford has properly researched this book but still made this readable and occasionally funny. If you are a bit of an etymologicon then this is for you.
As well as the beautiful Gallic language that is spoken by some in Scotland they have their own patois and dialect that is distinctively different from the regular English language. Robin A Crawford has collected 1000 of these words from all walks of life and from the modern-day and rummaging through their linguist history for the words that remain in use after hundreds of years.
So if you want to know what a deil’s darning needle or a tourist eagle is, of how you are feeling when you’re forefochen or if you have runkled or fankled something is a good place to start. The range of subjects covered by the words is fascinating, know the difference between an oxter and pintil will save many a red face later on. There are words that most will be familiar with, i.e. neaps, the Tartan Arm and a Glaswegian kiss are pretty much mainstream across the country now.
With each word is a short definition and often an example of usage, very helpful for some of the more obscure ones such as doech-an-doris, lea-rig and stooshie. I thought that this was a delightful collection of words that Crawford has brought together, into this book. I really enjoy learning all things about language and have read a large number of books on the subject. Crawford has properly researched this book but still made this readable and occasionally funny. If you are a bit of an etymologicon then this is for you.
August 31, 2020
Love SCOTLAND? You'll love this book
“Scotland is a nation of peoples woven together like a tartan or a tweed“. There are more than 150 languages spoken throughout Scotland, and the Scots language has in fact Germanic roots.
As the book opens there is a brief overview of the history of the language and how there is still an evocative vocabulary, which Scottish writer and bookseller, Robin Crawford has brought together in this single book. It is also beautifully illustrated with images created by Scottish printmaker, Liz Myhill.
So, as a sassenach (lowlander or saxon, ie non-Scot) I found the range and diversity of these collected words interesting. You can certainly see the Germanic roots in a word like fecht (in German to fight is fechten) and interesting how several words are recognisable and in colloquial parlance throughout the UK, like gumption and dram (of whisky – otherwise known as usquebaugh…no idea how you pronounce that) – and never with an “e” as in whiskey, because that denotes the ‘inferior’ drink quaffed in the USA).
Who knew that “The Clockwork Orange” is the affectionate nickname for Glasgow’s diminutive underground railway and I will give you one heads up, that a clishamaclaver of the title is ‘the passing of idea gossip, sometimes in a book”. But in order to become totally au fait (that’s not a Scottish term) with local Scottish terms, geographical areas and slang, you will have to buy the book! It is a useful adjunct to exploring Scotland and immersing yourself in Scottish culture.
“Scotland is a nation of peoples woven together like a tartan or a tweed“. There are more than 150 languages spoken throughout Scotland, and the Scots language has in fact Germanic roots.
As the book opens there is a brief overview of the history of the language and how there is still an evocative vocabulary, which Scottish writer and bookseller, Robin Crawford has brought together in this single book. It is also beautifully illustrated with images created by Scottish printmaker, Liz Myhill.
So, as a sassenach (lowlander or saxon, ie non-Scot) I found the range and diversity of these collected words interesting. You can certainly see the Germanic roots in a word like fecht (in German to fight is fechten) and interesting how several words are recognisable and in colloquial parlance throughout the UK, like gumption and dram (of whisky – otherwise known as usquebaugh…no idea how you pronounce that) – and never with an “e” as in whiskey, because that denotes the ‘inferior’ drink quaffed in the USA).
Who knew that “The Clockwork Orange” is the affectionate nickname for Glasgow’s diminutive underground railway and I will give you one heads up, that a clishamaclaver of the title is ‘the passing of idea gossip, sometimes in a book”. But in order to become totally au fait (that’s not a Scottish term) with local Scottish terms, geographical areas and slang, you will have to buy the book! It is a useful adjunct to exploring Scotland and immersing yourself in Scottish culture.
August 17, 2020
A treasure trove of Scottish words.
Prior to reviewing properly the linguistic content of Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers I have to say something about the overall quality of the book. Difficult to see in an image, there is beauty in the gold lettering, and the self-coloured, purple, illustrated end papers pick up the thistle of the cover so that there’s a real feeling of coherence. It made it a real pleasure to open the book before even beginning to read it.
I cannot begin to imagine how much time and effort Robin A. Crawford must have put in to the construction of Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers as it is meticulously researched, helpfully cross referenced and provides a useful bibliography with all the sources of quotation too so that readers be confident of the authenticity of the book. Words are often placed within exemplar sentences that give total credibility. It sounds slightly bizarre to say so but I felt I was in safe hands reading Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers and this enhanced my enjoyment.
Presented in alphabetical order, each letter page has a superb illustration that reflects one of the words in the section. I derived considerable pleasure in looking at the drawing and then skimming the words to see if I could guess which one was being referenced. I loved the tattie bogle! I think readers could make quite a game of this, sharing the book as a family.
Speaking of games, Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers doesn’t need reading all in one go or in the order it is presented. It’s such a pleasure to pick up the book in passing and dip in at random. I must admit, I read the whole of the sections spelling out my first name first! The book could be used for impromptu games of pictionary, charades and as a diversion perhaps for those with a bout of blabs (you’ll have to read the book to find out…) by making up sentences from the words presented here.
Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in language because it takes them on a geographical, literary and historical journey. The author’s introduction distils the history of the Scots language wonderfully in just a few pages so that I had total confidence that what I would find would be entertaining and accurate. It was. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, every illustration, every word.
Prior to reviewing properly the linguistic content of Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers I have to say something about the overall quality of the book. Difficult to see in an image, there is beauty in the gold lettering, and the self-coloured, purple, illustrated end papers pick up the thistle of the cover so that there’s a real feeling of coherence. It made it a real pleasure to open the book before even beginning to read it.
I cannot begin to imagine how much time and effort Robin A. Crawford must have put in to the construction of Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers as it is meticulously researched, helpfully cross referenced and provides a useful bibliography with all the sources of quotation too so that readers be confident of the authenticity of the book. Words are often placed within exemplar sentences that give total credibility. It sounds slightly bizarre to say so but I felt I was in safe hands reading Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers and this enhanced my enjoyment.
Presented in alphabetical order, each letter page has a superb illustration that reflects one of the words in the section. I derived considerable pleasure in looking at the drawing and then skimming the words to see if I could guess which one was being referenced. I loved the tattie bogle! I think readers could make quite a game of this, sharing the book as a family.
Speaking of games, Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers doesn’t need reading all in one go or in the order it is presented. It’s such a pleasure to pick up the book in passing and dip in at random. I must admit, I read the whole of the sections spelling out my first name first! The book could be used for impromptu games of pictionary, charades and as a diversion perhaps for those with a bout of blabs (you’ll have to read the book to find out…) by making up sentences from the words presented here.
Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in language because it takes them on a geographical, literary and historical journey. The author’s introduction distils the history of the Scots language wonderfully in just a few pages so that I had total confidence that what I would find would be entertaining and accurate. It was. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, every illustration, every word.
August 17, 2020
I love learning new words and different dialects and local variants are always fascinating to me. I have lived in several countries so I have picked up local sayings. It amazes me how you can have different meanings for a word on adjoining counties. Having read fictional books written by many Scottish Authors I do find it really interesting to come across local words while reading.
So, the author has gathered 1,000 words from all walks of Scottish life, from farmers, fishermen, comedians and from years gone by. The words are a mix of old almost forgotten words as well as more mainstream ones that were more recognisable to me. I love how the author has brought so many words together as a way of bringing the past back to the forefront.
This book is ideal for dipping in and out of and I loved looking at the words and trying to guess those that I hadn’t come across before. Mostly I was wrong but that adds to the fun of this book. I have the hardback version and I have to say the cover is gorgeous and it also makes it the perfect book for leaving on the coffee table for others to enjoy.
A wonderful little book that is full of Scottish words that will amuse as well as test your pronunciation. I adored this book and I would recommend it to those who like to expand their vocabulary. I would also suggest that readers of Non-fiction and history would really enjoy this book as there are so many little anecdotes and historical snippets that have been included.
A brilliant book that I would absolutely recommend.
So, the author has gathered 1,000 words from all walks of Scottish life, from farmers, fishermen, comedians and from years gone by. The words are a mix of old almost forgotten words as well as more mainstream ones that were more recognisable to me. I love how the author has brought so many words together as a way of bringing the past back to the forefront.
This book is ideal for dipping in and out of and I loved looking at the words and trying to guess those that I hadn’t come across before. Mostly I was wrong but that adds to the fun of this book. I have the hardback version and I have to say the cover is gorgeous and it also makes it the perfect book for leaving on the coffee table for others to enjoy.
A wonderful little book that is full of Scottish words that will amuse as well as test your pronunciation. I adored this book and I would recommend it to those who like to expand their vocabulary. I would also suggest that readers of Non-fiction and history would really enjoy this book as there are so many little anecdotes and historical snippets that have been included.
A brilliant book that I would absolutely recommend.
August 4, 2020
Full review to follow as part of the blogtour at the end of August
October 10, 2020
I absolutely love books that explore the meaning of words, usually in the English language, so I was very intrigued by Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers: a treasury of 1,000 Scottish words. It is well named as a treasury as this book is a little gem; I read it cover to cover for review purposes but it's the perfect book to dip in and out of and be entertained and delighted every single time.
Appearance wise, the book is beautiful with shiny gold lettering and a lovely purple thistle on the front. After the fabulous introduction (which includes regional translations of a line from Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo), the format is that of a dictionary but with stunning line drawings setting the theme of each section. Each word is listed along with its meaning and often it's origin or an example of its usage. I really enjoyed reading the excerpts of poems, novels and traditional rhymes and the sources are listed at the end of the book for any readers interested in further reading.
I was surprised how many Scottish words we actually use in the North East of England and reading them in Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers brought to mind fond reminiscences of my childhood: playing dooky apples at Nanna's and giggling when my Uncles tickled me under the oxters. I recall Nanna putting the sneck on to pop out for some messages and getting all the patter from the nebby women - this sentence might sound like a foreign language to some people but it makes complete sense to me.
The beauty of this book is that every reader will find something different that fascinates, intrigues or amuses them. I started to make notes of my favourite words but there were just too many of them. From the moment I picked up Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers and flicked through a few pages I knew that I was going to love it; it's a book that I will pick up over and over again and find something different every single time.
Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers is a delightful addition to any bookcase and I expect my copy will be well thumbed and constantly recommended as these fabulous words are too good to keep to myself.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Appearance wise, the book is beautiful with shiny gold lettering and a lovely purple thistle on the front. After the fabulous introduction (which includes regional translations of a line from Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo), the format is that of a dictionary but with stunning line drawings setting the theme of each section. Each word is listed along with its meaning and often it's origin or an example of its usage. I really enjoyed reading the excerpts of poems, novels and traditional rhymes and the sources are listed at the end of the book for any readers interested in further reading.
I was surprised how many Scottish words we actually use in the North East of England and reading them in Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers brought to mind fond reminiscences of my childhood: playing dooky apples at Nanna's and giggling when my Uncles tickled me under the oxters. I recall Nanna putting the sneck on to pop out for some messages and getting all the patter from the nebby women - this sentence might sound like a foreign language to some people but it makes complete sense to me.
The beauty of this book is that every reader will find something different that fascinates, intrigues or amuses them. I started to make notes of my favourite words but there were just too many of them. From the moment I picked up Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers and flicked through a few pages I knew that I was going to love it; it's a book that I will pick up over and over again and find something different every single time.
Cauld Blasts and Clishmaclavers is a delightful addition to any bookcase and I expect my copy will be well thumbed and constantly recommended as these fabulous words are too good to keep to myself.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 18, 2020
This treasury of 1,000 Scottish words has been a real delight to read, easy to peruse whether looking up a specific word, and believe me there are some amazing words I'd never seen before, or, starting at the very beginning with a',aa,or aw which means all, to yowe trummale which means unseasonably cold weather in early summer, something I'm used in the north of England! Incidentally, there's nothing in the treasury beginning with the letter z!
I really did begin at the beginning though and throughout the treasury I discovered words which made me smile, words that I use everyday and words that I had, quite simply, never seen before and which I would hope one day to be able to sneak into conversation - words like breenge which means to plunge and rush, or ficherie which means fiddly, fussy or finicky, and stooshie which is a to-do or commotion.
The rich vernacular that we associate with this lyrical language is fully explored and the author has been very thorough in his research and includes, alongside words and their meaning, some interesting contextual snippets of information about their origin and usage of specific words in literature, rhymes and drama.There's also a bit of a help with some pronunciation which has been especially useful to this Sassenach with how to actually say a specific word - for example, ceud-mille-failte becomes instantly pronounceable as ki-ool-a-meel-a-fell-cha and Slainte/slainte mhath - a term so often used in my favourite Outlander novels, becomes much easier as slange /slan-ja-vah.
Cauldblasts and Clishmaclavers is a fascinating journey through the romantic lyricism of the Scottish vernacular. Intricately exploring its richly evolving history in an easy to use treasury which both educates and entertains in equal measure.
I really did begin at the beginning though and throughout the treasury I discovered words which made me smile, words that I use everyday and words that I had, quite simply, never seen before and which I would hope one day to be able to sneak into conversation - words like breenge which means to plunge and rush, or ficherie which means fiddly, fussy or finicky, and stooshie which is a to-do or commotion.
The rich vernacular that we associate with this lyrical language is fully explored and the author has been very thorough in his research and includes, alongside words and their meaning, some interesting contextual snippets of information about their origin and usage of specific words in literature, rhymes and drama.There's also a bit of a help with some pronunciation which has been especially useful to this Sassenach with how to actually say a specific word - for example, ceud-mille-failte becomes instantly pronounceable as ki-ool-a-meel-a-fell-cha and Slainte/slainte mhath - a term so often used in my favourite Outlander novels, becomes much easier as slange /slan-ja-vah.
Cauldblasts and Clishmaclavers is a fascinating journey through the romantic lyricism of the Scottish vernacular. Intricately exploring its richly evolving history in an easy to use treasury which both educates and entertains in equal measure.
September 2, 2023
A muckle braw curation of Scots words covering modern and ancient examples of our beautiful language. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in Scotland
As a speaker of a Scandinavian language as well, while reading this I was struck by a number of words that probably are related but were not indicated as such. Perhaps they are false friends, but I certainly wonder.
For example: siccar / sikker
Scots: tae mak siccar
Norwegian: å være sikker
(To make sure)
There are many other such examples in the book.
In addition, I would have enjoyed more of a pronunciation guide for the words of Gaelic origin as I’m sadly not well informed about how this beautiful language should sound beyond the handful of words I already know.
As a speaker of a Scandinavian language as well, while reading this I was struck by a number of words that probably are related but were not indicated as such. Perhaps they are false friends, but I certainly wonder.
For example: siccar / sikker
Scots: tae mak siccar
Norwegian: å være sikker
(To make sure)
There are many other such examples in the book.
In addition, I would have enjoyed more of a pronunciation guide for the words of Gaelic origin as I’m sadly not well informed about how this beautiful language should sound beyond the handful of words I already know.
August 15, 2022
So there were some good new-to-me words here that I may have to start using, like "quaich." This was just fun to read, nothing heavy. Good bibliography though if I wanted to read more Scots literature.
December 31, 2024
Similar to ‘The Secret Lives of Colours’, this book isn’t a book that one really ‘reads’. It’s more like a dictionary, filled with Scottish words and phrases. That does not mean it isn’t appealing, however. Etymology and what not is fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews