Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and has a population of around 5.4 million people. The Scottish people have their own unique culture, traditions, cuisine, music, and even language. While English is the main language spoken in Scotland, there are some key Scottish phrases and slang words that are commonly used in day-to-day conversations. This includes various informal ways of saying ‘goodbye’ that you may hear when traveling around Scotland or interacting with Scottish people. In this article, we will explore the most popular Scottish goodbye phrases and examine their background and meanings.
Common Ways Scots Say Goodbye
Here are some of the most popular Scottish ways to bid farewell to someone:
Cheerio
One of the most well-known Scottish goodbyes is ‘cheerio’. This is an informal way of saying goodbye that you are most likely to hear in casual, everyday situations among friends, family, or coworkers. It’s similar to saying ‘see you later’ in English. ‘Cheerio’ dates back to the early 20th century and is thought to derive from a nautical term meaning ‘face the stern’. It was frequently used by sailors when departing from a ship. Over time, it took on the meaning of a friendly, lighthearted goodbye on dry land too.
Ta-ta
‘Ta-ta’ is another common Scottish casual farewell. It’s an informal way of saying ‘goodbye’ or ‘bye for now’. You’ll often hear it said when parting ways with friends or as you leave a shop. ‘Ta-ta’ dates back to the early 19th century and mimics the sound of footsteps walking away, symbolizing departure. An alternative theory suggests it comes from the Spanish and Portuguese term ‘tchau tchau’ meaning ‘so long’.
Cheer the noo
‘Cheer the noo’ translates to ‘goodbye for now’ in Scots. It’s a warm, friendly way to say farewell and indicates you expect to see the person again soon. ‘Noo’ means ‘now’. So together ‘cheer the noo’ wishes the person happiness and wellbeing for the time being while you are apart.
Lang may yer lum reek
This old Scottish phrase literally means ‘long may your chimney smoke’. It’s used when saying goodbye to someone at their home. Back in the day when many Scottish homes had fireplaces, a smoking chimney signified that a family lived there in warmth and comfort. So this phrase expresses goodwill towards the person’s household, wishing continued health and happiness for the family within.
Haste ye back
‘Haste ye back’ is a charming Scottish way to say ‘hurry back’ or ‘return soon’. It’s commonly said when bidding someone farewell, expressing a desire for their quick and safe return. For example, you might say it when a friend leaves your house or when seeing off a visitor to Scotland. The use of ‘haste ye’ adds a warm, poetic flair.
Less Common Scottish Goodbyes
While the phrases above are the most popular, here are a few more unique or lesser-known Scottish ways to say goodbye:
Ayethentie
Mostly heard in the Shetland Isles, ‘ayethentie’ is derived from the Norse ‘heilsan di’ meaning ‘health to you’. It wishes the person wellness and good fortune.
Beannachd leat
‘Beannachd leat’ is Gaelic for ‘blessings with you’. It expresses goodbye along with well-wishes.
F ir an àm ri teachd
In Scottish Gaelic this means ‘for the time to come’. It suggests farewell for now but reunions in the future.
Slàinte mhath
‘Slàinte mhath’ translates to ‘good health’ in Gaelic. Use it to wish a person continued good health and happiness when parting ways.
All the best
While not unique to Scotland, ‘all the best’ is a friendly way to say goodbye while also conveying well-wishes for the person’s future endeavors. For example, you might say ‘All the best with your exams!’
Goodbye Phrases in Scotland By Region
Certain goodbye phrases are more common in some Scottish regions than others. Here is an overview:
| Region | Common Goodbye Phrases |
| Highlands & Islands | Cheerio, Haste ye back, Beannachd leat, F ir an àm ri teachd |
| Glasgow | Cheerio, Ta-ta, All the best |
| Edinburgh | Cheerio, Ta-ta, All the best, Haste ye back |
| Southern Uplands | Cheerio, Ta-ta, Lang may yer lum reek |
| North East Coast | Ta-ta, Cheerio, Lang may yer lum reek |
| Borders | Ta-ta, Cheerio, Lang may yer lum reek |
As shown, ‘cheerio’ and ‘ta-ta’ are popular throughout most of Scotland. Gaelic farewells like ‘beannachd leat’ are more common in the Highlands and Islands where this language originated. ‘Lang may yer lum reek’ is widely used in southern and eastern areas. But you may come across these phrases in other parts of Scotland too, due to migration and cultural blending over time.
When Are These Scottish Goodbyes Used?
These Scottish farewell phrases tend to be used in casual, informal situations rather than very formal ones. For example, you would be more likely to say ‘cheerio’ or ‘haste ye back’ to close friends, family, and coworkers rather than your boss or professor. They are also more common in verbal speech rather than written communication. Most Scots will use ‘goodbye’ or ‘best wishes’ instead in formal emails, letters, and documents. However, in a text or email to a close friend, expressions like ‘ta-ta’ or ‘cheer the noo’ would be appropriate.
Everyday Situations
Scots tend to use their signature goodbye phrases when:
- Parting ways with friends and family after meeting up
- Ending a phone call or video chat
- Finishing up a chat with co-workers at the office
- Leaving appointments, classes, or meetings
- Exiting taxis, buses, and trains
- Saying farewell at the end of events and gatherings
- Departing shops, cafes, and other businesses
So listen out for a warm ‘cheerio’ or ‘ta-ta’ next time you take your leave from a pub, shop, or local encounter while exploring Scotland.
Special Occasions
More formal Scottish goodbyes may be used when celebrating or lamenting major life events like:
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Graduations
- Farewell parties for someone moving away
For instance, at weddings the departing couple may bid guests farewell with Gaelic blessings like ‘beannachd leat’. At funerals, ‘lang may yer lum reek’ expresses consolation for the bereaved.
Other Ways Scots Say Goodbye
Beyond signature phrases, Scots often incorporate other creative ways to say farewell:
Terms of Endearment
They may add terms of endearment when saying goodbye, especially to loved ones. Common ones include:
- Darling
- Hen (like ‘honey’)
- Doll
- Pet
- Sweetheart
- My dear
- Loon (similar to ‘laddie’)
For example, “Ta-ta darling, see you tonight!” or “Cheerio hen, get home safe.”
Bidding Farewell to Groups
When saying goodbye to a group, Scots may use:
- Bye bye folks
- Cheerio folks
- Ta-ta folks
- Bye for now friends
- Farewell friends
- Toodle-oo everybody
Well-wishes
They frequently incorporate wishes for the person’s wellbeing when saying goodbye, such as:
- Take care now
- Keep well
- Stay safe
- All the best now
- Have a lovely day
- Mind yourself
So a Scottish goodbye often includes warmer sentiments beyond just farewell.
Goodbye Responses
When a Scottish person bids you farewell, it’s polite to reciprocate. Some common Scottish responses include:
- Cheerio
- Ta-ta
- Bye for now
- See you later
- Farewell
- Toodle-oo
- Thanks, you too
- Take care
- See you soon
You can tailor your response based on the level of formality. With close friends respond in a similarly casual manner, while ‘farewell’ or ‘have a good day’ may suit formal situations. But most Scots will appreciate any friendly reply to their goodbye.
The Significance of Scottish Goodbyes
These special farewells reflect some key aspects of Scottish culture:
Informality and Wit
Scots are known for their informal, playful communication style which comes through in phrases like ‘ta-ta’ and ‘cheerio’. Their inventive slang reveals the Scottish wit and humor.
Kinship
The warmth and care expressed in blessings like ‘lang may yer lum reek’ and ‘haste ye back’ demonstrates the Scottish spirit of kinship and community. Despite their informal tone, these sayings convey affection.
Heritage
Gaelic and Old Norse influenced goodbyes reflect Scotland’s Celtic and Viking ancestral ties. They keep old languages alive on the tongues of younger generations.
Resilience
Sentiments wishing health, safety and the comfort of home reflect how hardship shaped the Scottish mentality. Their farewells express hope and perseverance.
So the next time you say ‘cheerio’ or ‘haste ye back’, remember you are sharing a wee bit of Scottish culture!
Conclusion
Scots have many wonderful ways to bid family, friends and visitors farewell. From ‘ta-ta’ and ‘cheerio’ to blessings like ‘lang may yer lum reek’, their informal yet warm goodbyes encapsulate the Scottish spirit. While English remains the primary language, Scots continue to pepper their vocabulary with traditional slang and Gaelic words for an added cultural touch. From the Highlands to the Borders, you’ll hear hearty Scottish farewells ring out across every corner of the country. So be sure to return the blessing if someone bids you ‘haste ye back’ or ‘beannachd leat’ during your Scottish travels!