Scotch

[Andrew C.]

I was just reading a history of my old school and it was mentioned that so many pupils had been presented for the "Scotch examination" and it got me thinking again about this term. I know it is currently fashionable or has been for some time to intensely dislike this term, however there was a time whn it was in common usage. I have read so many people saying it is unacceptable to refer to us as Scotch and a few saying why not when it was previously acceptable. Does anyone know when or why it became offensive to say Scotch instead of Scots or Scottish?

[Hibee]

Hi Andrew

"Scotch" was still in common usage around the beginning of the 20th century. Perhaps the world wars had some effect?

Hibee

[Andrew C.]

It was from the examination year 1898 the section was referring to so yes it was certainly acceptable at the turn of the century.

[Currie]

Hello Andrew,

In the 1890s there was no shortage of debate about the use of the word “Scotch.”

Glasgow Herald, Friday, September 20, 1895
SCOTTISH OR SCOTCH.
Annan, September 17, 1895.
SIR,—I wonder whether any of your well-informed readers would condescend to put me, a puzzled Southerner, right as to the correct application of the adjectives Scottish, Scot, and Scotch? Is there any recognised rule governing their employment?
Since I have been touring in your delightful country I have been much bothered and bewildered by the difficulty of knowing whom and what I ought to call Scotch and whom and what Scottish. I feel that I have mortally offended more than one Scotsman by innocently calling him a Scotchman. I notice that regiments are designated Scots or Scottish. The Royal Scots Fusiliers, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Scots Greys; never the Scotch Borderers or Scotch Greys. I should not like to be the man who would direct an official letter to the officer commanding the Scotch Greys. Your worthy countrymen exiled in London, who form one of our most efficient Volunteer corps, designate themselves "The London Scottish." Scottish history, Scottish poetry, Scottish romance, Scottish art, Scottish achievements, the Scottish throne, Mary Queen of Scots seem to me familiar terms. Mary Queen of Scotch would sound decidedly odd.
On the other hand, we have Scotch mists, Scotch snuff, Scotch shortbread, Scotch oatmeal, and—let us thank heaven for it, whatever its appropriate adjective may be—Scotch whisky. I don't think I ever saw it labelled or heard it called Scottish whisky. We have also Scotch reels, Scotch bagpipes, &c. In to-day's issue of your esteemed paper I read of Scotch Bank rates, Scotch mineral shipments, and a new Scotch story. I may be owning up to frightful ignorance, but I really don't know whether I am in a Scottish or a Scotch mist on this point, and I really should he proportionately obliged to the Scotsman, Scotchman, or Scot who would enlighten me. —I am, &c.,
ALIPH CHEEM.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Pm ... %2C6933619


An avalanche of letters followed and lasted several months. There were all sorts of explanations as to correct usage. I don’t know who won the argument or what the statistics were but there were those against the use of “Scotch” including these two letters.


Glasgow Herald, Wednesday, September 25, 1895
SCOTS, SCOTTISH, AND SCOTCH.
Renton, September 24, 1895.
Sir,—To the answers given your English correspondent sojourning in Arran I would add that "Scotch" is not of native birth at all, but comes from the south side of the Tweed. “Scottis," afterwards shortened to "Scots," is the old national and historical form, and no other was used by Scots writers of repute. The correct English of "Scots" is Scottish, and either may be used; it is a matter of euphony and national liking. Why, then, is the word ‘Scotch" so much in evidence? Well, I think it will be seen that “Scotch" was originally used by the English opprobriously. The Scots in the old days were so heartily disliked that not taking the trouble to give justice to the pronouncing of their name, the English form "Scottish" was shortened and slurred into “Scotch”—squeezing two syllables into one with a gnash of the teeth. There was an implied inferiority in "Scotch.” We ourselves had no need to apply the word “Scotch" to things national. "Scotch," as applied to our whisky, haggis, mists, cakes, and ourselves, is clearly the work of the Englishman. It was meant as a term of reproach or inferiority, in so far as these things were different from things English—“un-English, you know." As the word "Christian," though first given as a term of reproach, became the one of highest honour, so the word “Scotch" may be on its way to attain a similar glory. But call us what you may we gang oor ain gate, for the calling us "Scotch," "Scots," or "Scottish" is after all a small matter. Let us hint, however, to our English friends that, as a matter of simple justice, if you do not give us the word of our own growth, "Scots," give us not the vulgar English form "Scotch,” but the proper English form, “Scottish.” You say English, Irish; why not also say Scottish. —I am, &c.,
JAMES YOUNG.

Glasgow Herald, Monday, October 7, 1895
SCOTS, SCOTTISH, AND SCOTCH.
Sir,—Your correspondent "More Light" asks if every man is to "do that which is right in his own eyes." I submit that the majority of educated Scotsmen are guided in their selection of the words by a simple rule, viz., to use "Scots" rather than "Scottish" when the archaic form does not sound pedantic, and in all other cases to use "Scottish" in preference to "Scotch." When talking of men, women, firs, acres, law, the proper adjective is "Scots." As regards "Scotch," I admit there are a few cases where this objectionable term must be employed, but let it be strictly confined to commercial, industrial, and Stock Exchange "shop," —I am, &c.,
N.


Hope that’s useful,
Alan

[Andrew C.]

Yes, thanks that was interesting.

[ninatoo]

If anyone would call my Dad Scotch, he'd reply "Whiskey or tape?"

[Hibee]

I suspect he said "whisky", rather than (Irish) "whiskey"!

Hibee

[ninatoo]

Lol! I wrote "Whisky" but corrected it....it's "Whiskey" in Australia.

[wini]

No, it is whisky in Australia.
wini

[ninatoo]

Hmm...wini, seems you're right...my bad! Oh well, I don't drink it so don't see the word much...must pay attention!! Lol!