Latest News

A selection of language-related news. Does not claim to be comprehensive or represent the views of SCILT.

New Scots phrase for bed added to English Oxford Dictionary

7 April 2025 (The Herald)

A classic Scots phrase meaning bed or sleep has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. 

The term 'beddy-baw', which dates back to at least the 1860s, was added to the dictionary last month. 

It has been used for generations to tell children it's time to get to bed.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary's website, the earlier evidence for the use of beddy-baw is from the Buchan Observer in 1864. 

It said: "My sonsy wean! My darlin' bairn! My bonnie sweet wee lammie! Cosy i' yer beddy-baw, Crawin' to yer mammy!"

Read More...

Back to top