Buzz
Unpack the comforting phrase made famous by Outlander
Rolling hills speckled with sheep, the sound of bagpipes echoing through valleys, whiskey that warms your throat, and age-old stone castles—these are just some images that spring to mind when thinking of the breathtaking land that brought us dinna fash. Whether you’re prepping for an adventure in Bonnie Scotland or just wrapped up a season of Outlander, you might be curious about what this Highland phrase really means. Well then, dinna fash yersel! We’ve got the meaning and more, along with 27 other handy Scots and Gaelic expressions.
The Meaning Behind Dinna Fash
Dinna fash translates to “don’t worry.” It’s a phrase used to reassure someone, suggesting they shouldn’t stress or concern themselves over a matter. Though it dates back to 16th-century Scotland, its use has soared in popularity thanks to the TV series Outlander.
How to Use It
What Does Dinna Fash Mean?
Dinna fash translates to “don’t worry” or “don’t fuss.” It’s a gentle way to calm someone who’s feeling uneasy, upset, or overly concerned. Much like the English phrase “don’t worry,” it encourages people not to trouble themselves over minor matters.
- The term “fash” comes from the French word fâcher, which means to vex or annoy.
- “Dinna” is simply the Scottish version of “do not.”
Where “Dinna Fash” Comes From & How It’s Used
Dinna fash dates back to the 1500s and is rooted in the Scots language. It’s most closely tied to Northeastern Scotland, particularly in areas where the Doric dialect was spoken. Both Scots and Gaelic are foundational to Scotland’s linguistic heritage.
- Scots was more prevalent in the Lowlands, while Gaelic reigned in the Highlands.
- Doric Scots had a raw, earthy tone and was commonly spoken in Highland communities.
- After the 1707 union with England, both languages saw a decline in daily use.
- Thankfully, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (1992) has helped preserve and revive interest in both tongues.
The most iconic way to say it? “Dinna fash yersel.” This longer form means “don’t trouble yourself.” While “dinna fash” alone works fine, adding “yersel” gives it more authenticity in true Scots spirit. Here are a few ways you might hear it:
- Dinna fash! = No worries!
- Dinna fash, lass. = Don’t worry, girl.
- Dinna fash yersel, it was an accident. = Don’t stress, it wasn’t intentional.
- Dinna fash yersel wi’ cooking, we’ll go oot fur a meal. = Don’t worry about making dinner; let’s eat out instead.
Dinna Fash in the TV Series Outlander
“Dinna fash, Sassenach” became a beloved catchphrase in the hit series Outlander. In the show, Jamie Fraser frequently says this to Claire, his English wife and time-traveling partner. The phrase is his gentle way of telling her not to worry.
- “Sassenach” is Jamie’s playful nickname for Claire, referencing her English roots—derived from the Gaelic word for “Saxon.”
- Claire’s identity as an outsider—both culturally and chronologically—is central to the series, with Jamie rooted in 18th-century Scotland and Claire originating from the 20th century.
Popular Scots and Gaelic Words You Should Know
Bannock A bannock is a traditional Scottish oatcake, flat, round, and typically made from barley or oatmeal. In the 18th century, it was a staple bread, cooked on a griddle and served daily.
- The term likely evolved from Old English bannuc, Gaelic bannoch meaning “morsel,” and Latin panicium, meaning bread.
Bairn Bairn is a Scots word for “child.” Though rooted in the Scots language, it still appears in modern Scottish English. It traces back to the Old English word “bearn” and is used to refer to children both directly and conversationally.
- In Outlander, Jamie Fraser affectionately calls his children, Fergus and Brianna, “the bairns.”
Besom Often pronounced “bizzum,” the word “besom” typically refers to a woman, though its connotation varies widely by context. It can playfully describe a cheeky or mischievous girl—like in “that wee besom’s always up to something.”
- More frequently, however, “besom” carries a negative undertone, suggesting that the woman in question has questionable morals or social standing.
- Historically, “besom” also refers to a broom or sweeping tool—a definition used commonly in both English and Scots through the Middle Ages to the 1800s.
Bonny or Bonnie Bonnie is a flattering term that means “lovely,” “attractive,” or “charming.” It's famously linked to Charles Edward Stuart—Bonnie Prince Charlie—a pivotal figure in Scotland’s past.
- Still widely used in Scotland today, “bonnie” often affectionately refers to “Bonnie Scotland.”
- Poet Robert Burns captured the spirit of the word in “A Red, Red Rose:” So fair art thou, my bonnie lass/So deep in luve am I/And I will luve thee still, my dear/Till a' the seas gang dry.
- The word’s precise origin is debated, though it’s believed to stem from the French bon, meaning “good.”
Bothy A bothy is a simple hut or shelter, traditionally used by rural dwellers like farmers and shepherds. Found in the wilds of Scotland and Northern England, bothies are often left open for anyone to use freely.
- Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant described these huts as dairy houses where Highlanders stayed while tending livestock and making seasonal butter and cheese.
- The word “bothy” likely originates from the Germanic root bu–, meaning “to dwell,” which is also the root of the English word “booth.”
Braw Dating back to the 1500s, “braw” is a Scots word that originally signified bravery. Over time, it also came to mean something impressive or of high quality, especially when referring to a person’s appearance or attire.
- In Outlander, the word “braw” is used to praise the gallant Highland soldiers involved in the Jacobite Rising, as portrayed in the series.
Broch A broch is an ancient stone tower, circular in shape, built with thick double walls. These early structures are scattered across the Northern Isles and adjacent mainland regions, dating back to prehistoric times.
- In Older Scots, “broch” could also denote a town or settlement—akin to the English word “borough.”
Brose Brose is a traditional Scottish dish made from oatmeal or peasemeal mixed with cold or warm water or milk, often finished with a bit of salt or butter. It's known for its simplicity and was a staple for those living in bothies, especially farmers and shepherds.
- Though typically served uncooked, brose can also be prepared with other ingredients like mussels or meats to create a hearty, broth-like meal.
Cockernonnie A cockernonnie refers to an old-fashioned, high-stacked hairstyle worn by women. Sometimes, the term is broadened to include ornate headdresses or even used figuratively to describe something that’s precariously piled up. Its root, cocker, means “to rock” or “move unsteadily” in Scots.
Corbie Corbie is the Scots word for raven, tracing back to the Old French corb or corbin. Because ravens were long seen as symbols of misfortune, “corbie” also evolved into a slang term for a trickster or fraudster.
- Scottish author Walter Scott uses “corbie” this way in his novel Rob Roy, set during the Jacobite era of the 18th century.
Cot-House A cot-house is a humble, one-room dwelling traditionally occupied by laborers known as cotters or cotlanders. These individuals worked in exchange for the right to live in these modest cottages, which symbolized the lower economic tier of rural Scotland.
Daft In Scots, “daft” means foolish or silly—a meaning that has carried over into modern English where it’s still widely used. A related term, “dafty,” is a noun used for someone considered simple-minded or ridiculous.
- In Outlander, Jamie Fraser affectionately teases his wife Claire with the phrase “Dinna be daft, lass,” softening the word’s usual sting with a tone of endearment.
Dirk A dirk is a long, straight-bladed dagger once commonly carried by Scottish Highlanders in the 1700s. In an age marked by fierce battles and clan rivalries, a Highlander would rarely be seen without one.
- Traditionally worn tucked into a belt, the dirk has a modern counterpart—the smaller “sgian-dhu”—which is often worn as part of ceremonial Highland dress today.
Gomerel or Gomeral Gomerel is a Scottish insult meaning “fool” or “simpleton.” It can be used for anyone, regardless of gender, and comes from the Middle English word gōme, referring to a man or warrior.
- This word is a more literary or expressive way of calling someone a “dafty.”
- Scots is rich in quirky insults like bampot, choob, doaty, dobber, and clot-heid, all of which imply someone isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
Greet In Scots, the verb “greet” doesn’t mean to welcome someone—it means to cry or weep. Saying someone’s “greeting” means they’re sobbing or tearing up. The word likely stems from the Old English grētan, which also carried meanings of sorrow and lamentation.
Jacobite A Jacobite was a supporter of King James II, believing he was the rightful monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The word “Jacobite” comes from “Jacobus,” the Latin for James.
- Jacobite uprisings occurred throughout the 1700s, with the 1745 rebellion ending disastrously for the Highlanders at the Battle of Culloden.
- After the English crushed the Jacobite forces, it led to a brutal crackdown on Highland culture and the effective collapse of the movement.
Ken In Scots, “ken” is used instead of “know.” Asking “Do ye ken?” is the same as asking “Do you know?” It’s commonly used with “ye” in everyday speech, like I’ve worked all day, ye ken, and I’m done in.
- In Outlander, the phrase “dinna ken” is often heard, meaning “I don’t know.”
Laird In early modern Scotland, the title of laird was given to those who owned large rural estates—not necessarily nobles, but landowners with local influence and authority.
- Lairds were responsible for managing estates, overseeing agriculture, serving in civic duties, and holding local court sessions.
- In Outlander, characters like Laird Broch Tuarach and Laird Mackenzie hold this title. Colum Mackenzie, though not a noble, is recognized as laird due to his command over land and kin.
Peely Wally If someone looks “peely wally,” they appear pale and under the weather. This expression is still part of everyday Scottish lingo and might even be used in clinical settings by Scottish healthcare workers.
Sark Sark is the Scots word for “shirt,” often referring to a man’s shirt but also used to describe a woman’s nightdress. Its origin can be traced back to the Old Norse word serkr, which also meant shirt.
Sassenach “Sassenach” is a Scottish Gaelic term derived from Sasannach, meaning “English person” or “Saxon.” It was often used disparagingly, reflecting tensions during times when English incursion was unwelcome in Scotland.
- In Outlander, Jamie affectionately teases Claire by calling her “Sassenach,” using the term with warmth rather than hostility.
Sporran A sporran is a traditional Scottish pouch, typically made of leather, worn at the waist. Used for carrying essentials like coins, tools, or utensils, the sporran is a practical accessory whose name comes from the Gaelic sporan, meaning “purse.”
Stramash A “stramash” is the Scots word for a ruckus or noisy quarrel, typically sparked by a heated disagreement. One traditional saying goes, Ill will can mak a stooshie, but love can settle a stramash, meaning even when ill feelings cause chaos, affection can calm the storm.
Tinchel Tinchel describes a strategic hunt in which hunters form a surrounding circle and gradually close in on their target. The term also applies to a pack of animals in pursuit and originates from the Gaelic timchioll, meaning “circle” or “enclosure.”
Wean In Scots, a “wean” (pronounced 'wane') is a small child, not yet in their teenage years. The term evolved from the phrase “wee ane,” meaning “little one,” and may sometimes appear as “we’an” in certain regions of Scotland.
Wee Beasties “Wee beasties” is a playful Scots term for tiny animals—usually insects, but occasionally applied to children. The word “beastie” refers to creatures in general, while “wee” simply means small.
Wee Folk Originally used to describe people of humble status, the term “wee folk” eventually became associated with magical beings in Scottish folklore. Tiny creatures like fairies, goblins, and sprites are often called wee folk, and they continue to feature prominently in Scottish tales and traditions.
- Scottish folklore remains a vital part of cultural identity, so mentions of the wee folk are still common today.
