Correct use of Scots and Scotch

[Will__]

What are the correct (and incorrect) uses of these two words? I thought that Scots pertained to anything that is from Scotland, which most people (especially Americans) get wrong because they use the word Scotch - which should only be used to describe bourbon (but NOT whisky) and Broth.

I always thought this was the rule, but the Iain Banks book I'm reading at the mo (the non-fiction whisky one - very good btw) uses these words differently, and I somehow doubt he would get it wrong.......anwers on a postcard.....or in here.

Ta

[sft42]

You have it correct...the amber coloured liquid is indeed "Scotch".....Anyone or anything from Scotland is either Scots or Scottish.......Iain Banks was at Stirling Uni.....that could explain anything (and large amounts of the former)!

[Quizmonster]

In reference to people, 'Scotch' was used, regularly and quite happily, by Rabbie Burns as well as Sir Walter Scott, two of Scotland's major writers. The supposed dislike modern Scots have of the word in this context was really just an invention of the late 19th/early 20th centuries. There is no truly historical reason for it at all...it's just a harmless quirk. Humour us!

[j2buttonsw]

So, should scotch mist be scottish mist then?

[Quizmonster]

'Scotch mist' - a phrase used to suggest something real is insubstantial or unreal, as in: "What do you think that is...Scotch mist?" - has been so used since the 1600s. In other words, it came from an era when, as I said earlier, 'Scotch' was a perfectly acceptable adjective to describe anyone or anything from Scotland. Accordingly, there would be no need to convert it to 'Scottish mist', J2B. You can, if you want, though I guess it would sound as odd as 'Scottish broth'.

[YoungAndLazy]

Anyone for a Scottish egg?

[Kerplunk]

ho about a game of hop scottish?

[Quizmonster]

'Scotch egg' was first mentioned in print in a cookery book published in 1809. That's within Sir Walter Scott's lifetime (see my first answer above)...so no problem there.

In 'hopscotch', the 'scotch' part has nothing whatever to do with 'Scottish'; instead, it refers to a line marked on the ground, as is necessary for the children's game. The word has existed with this meaning in English since the 1600s.

[Tat]

EGG! HA HA HA!

[IndieSinger]

Tat hun, we've been through this - as incitatus pointed out, it's penguins and/or badgers that are funny. And possibly mushrooms. And clowns - ALTHOUGH NOT FOR SOME PEOPLE, BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE HAVE AN IRRATIONAL FEAR OF CLOWNS, WHICH IS KNOWN AS...

[sft42]

COULROPHOBIA.

[Caladon]

boom boom...cha

[darth vader]

you lot should get out more

[Azimov]

I wouldn't for a minute disagree with Ian Bank's use of the word "Scotch" to describe us Scots, assuming that historically the words usage has altered and that as an author submitting it to a greater authority (his publisher) would have to conform to some form of grammatical quality control, but I would like to add.. have any of you actually read his books? I read "The Wasp Factory" some 12 years ago and I feel compelled to say that this is not only the worst book I have EVER read but that I feel that only a sick minded individual could ever have penned such pathetic, nonsensical drivel!

[BenDToy]

I once heard the saying that the word "Scotch" is reserved for whisky, tomatoes and eggs, the people are Scots.

[Will__]

Azimov - I've read everything he's published and I don't think you could be more wrong. The Wasp factory is pretty tough going - but utterly different in style and content from all his other stuff, particularly his science fiction, which is incredibly thought provoking and makes great reading. His fiction is also excellent; he's one of the most well read british authors of the moment, and deservedly so. Give his stuff another chance; read Espedair Street and I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.....