This word is familiar in the sense of careful and the admonition to ‘ca canny’ urges caution. It also means shrewd, particularly with money. Walter Scott uses it as such in Waverley (1814): “He recommended that some canny hand should be sent up the glens, to make the best bargain he could”.
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Is canny Scottish or Irish?
Irish: either a shortened variant of McCann or of McCanny which is an Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Annaidh ‘son of Annadh’ (a personal name of uncertain meaning).
What accent says canny?
Northern English dialect, from can (“to know”) (+ -y), from Middle English can, first and third person singular of cunnen, connen (“to be able, know how to”), from Old English cunnan (“to know how to, be able to”). Compare Scots canny, Old English cann (“knowledge, assertion”). More at can, cunning.
Is canny a slang word?
Canny definition
Some of the confusion from players in the UK, sparked because ‘canny’ is slang in Scotland and Northern England, for ‘good or pleasant.
Why do Scottish people say Dinnae?
2. Ah dinnae ken. Scots are known for pronouncing traditional words in unpredictable ways. Listen out for “yes” pronounced as “aye”, “dae” as “do” and “dinnae” as “don’t“.
Is canny Scottish slang?
2 chiefly Scotland. a : careful, steady also : restrained. b : quiet, snug then canny, in some cozy place, they close the day— Robert Burns. canny. adverb.
Do people in Scotland say aye?
Aye means yes, often replacing the latter in day-to-day life in Scotland. Conversely, ‘aye, right’ is used when expressing feelings of disbelief (think of it as the Scottish equivalent to ‘yeah, right’).
How do you say can’t in Scottish?
The Scottish dialect also makes frequent use of contractions when speaking, for example, “cannae” is “cannot”, “winnae” is “won’t” and “huvnae” is “have not”.
Why do Geordies say pet?
“Pet”– A term of endearment, used in the same way as “dear” or “my love”.
What does wor lass mean?
My wife/girlfriend
Wor-lass definition
(Geordie) My wife/girlfriend. “A cannit wait till a get back hyem te see wor lass” noun.
Is canny a negative word?
In contemporary usage, canny is a synonym for shrewd. Both words mean smart or sharp-witted, but they also suggest that someone is smart in a self-serving and possibly even tricky way. Canny is also related to the word cunning — another adjective meaning “wise,” but with negative connotations.
Where did the word canny come from?
canny (adj.)
“knowing, wise,” 1630s, from a Scottish and northern English formation from can (v. 1) in its sense of “know how to,” + -y (2). A doublet of cunning that flowered into distinct senses in Scottish English.
What is a canny guy?
A canny person is clever and able to think quickly. You can also describe a person’s behaviour as canny. He was far too canny to risk giving himself away.
Why do Scots say Ken?
A word which is heard often is ken, which means to know. “When a Scottish Highlander asks if you ‘ken,’ they are explicitly asking if you ‘know.
Why do Scots say Bonnie?
It comes from the Scots language word “bonnie” (pretty, attractive), or the French bonne (good). That is in turn derived from the Latin word “bonus” (good). The name can also be used as a pet form of Bonita.
Is Och Aye noo offensive?
“Och aye the noo!”
This is one of those Scottish phrases that can be heard in countless parodies aimed at poking fun at the Scots’ dialect and accent. Its direct English translation is “Oh yes, just now”. And, while some Scots may chuckle along with you, it is considered quite offensive by others.
What does canny wait mean?
The English translation of “cannae wait” is. Can’t wait.
What do the Scottish call their wife?
Scottish Word: Erse.
Why do Scots say pish?
Pish. Translation: Urine. However, in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland, it’s a common word for something that evokes a negative vibe. For instance, if the score at the football isnae going your way, ‘it’s a load of pish’.
How do Scots say hello?
‘Hello’ in Scottish Gaelic
In Scottish Gaelic, you greet others with ‘halò’! Pronounced hallo, this phrase has you covered for greeting passers-by if you visit a Gaelic-speaking community. Alternatively, you could say good morning which is ‘madainn mhath’, pronounced ma-ten-va.
What is a fanny in Scottish?
1 British slang, offensive : vulva. 2 : buttocks. Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing fanny Learn More About fanny.