Scotch

:For other meanings, see Scottish (disambiguation) and Scots (disambiguation).

Scotch, Scottish or Scots?

The adjective or noun Scotch is an Early Modern English (16th century) contraction of the English language word Scottish which was later adopted into the Scots language. It more or less replaced Scottish as the prevailing term in England. Scots (the modern Scots language form of Older Scots Scottis1) predominated in Scotland until the 18th century when anglification became fashionable and Scotch was used in both England and Scotland.

Related Topics:
Early Modern English - 16th century - English language - Scots language - England - 1 - 18th century - Anglification

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From the early 19th century Scots or Scottish were the preferred usages among educated Scottish people, Scotch being regarded as an anglicized affectation. Scotch is sometimes still used by the working classes who often regard Scots as an anglicized affectation.

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In modern English usage the general term for things from or pertaining to Scotland is Scottish. Scots is used for the Scots language and Scots law, although one increasingly hears it used of people and organisations, especially in newspaper articles. Scotch remains in use only for phrases like Scotch broth, Scotch beef, Scotch lamb, Scotch marmelade, Scotch terrier, etc. One cynical joke is that Scotch can only be used for things which can be bought, such as whisky, eggs and politicians.

Related Topics:
Scots law - Scotch broth - Scotch beef - Scotch lamb - Scotch marmelade - Scotch terrier

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Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce compulsory education, in 1872 (England introduced it in 1880). The Scottish school system was placed under a "Scotch Education Department" with offices in London. In 1918, as a result of objections from within Scotland, the department was moved to Edinburgh and renamed the Scottish Education Department. This reflects the linguistic preferences of modern Scotland.

Related Topics:
Country - Compulsory education - 1872 - 1880 - London - 1918 - Edinburgh - Scottish Education Department - Linguistic

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