r/Scotland • u/hannah_elizabeth283 • 1d ago
Question Question about Scottish Culture?
Hello! I am moving to Edinburgh this September as a postgrad student at the University of Edinburgh. I am from America (Texas specifically) and was wondering if anyone could tell me about any tips I should know about the culture, especially with clothing and things like that!
For example, I hear that no one carries umbrellas, is that true? What kind of purses/bags are typical that won’t make me look silly and unaware of the norms? What is a typical outfit in Scotland? I know college students in the States wear a lot of athletic wear (leggings and t shirts) so would that be okay?
Thank you!!
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u/MiTcH_ArTs 1d ago
Use your indoor voice
Religion, income, cost of your possessions are private matters (the frequency they were talked about shocked me when I moved to America)
Swearing is ubiquitous as is "blasphemy" (insert eyeroll) mine seemed to shock the hell out of Americans and mine is fairly mild, it is not necessarily aggressive or meant in a mean way and is frequently just punctuation.
Tone/inflection is more important than words the same words can be a (non banter) insult, banter (which can also be an insult) or banal depending on tone/inflection
Taking the time and effort to craft a well rounded insult is a sign of affection
Clothing is preferred
Folk still carry brollys (umbrellas) though those folk tend to be old folk
Layers... plenty of layers (with the top layer preferably being waterproof)
Clothing in most cities of western persuasion tend to be pretty much the same, though baseball cap and athletic wear may make some folk a little dubious
Cant go wrong with the ever popular rucksack
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u/hannah_elizabeth283 1d ago
Thank you! That is super helpful!
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u/Slight-Mobile-7016 1d ago
Can't stress that last point enough. Bring a good coat, sweaters, and things that'll keep you warm and dry. You may be okay for September and perhaps October, but you'll definitely need it all for Winter.
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u/Acrobatic-Shirt8540 Is toil leam càise gu mòr. 18h ago
Swearing is ubiquitous
Be prepared to hear the word c**t on a daily basis. Nobody here uses it in the same way the Americans do.
"Ah yeah I know Dave, he's a good c**t."
Trump, however, is just a c**t.
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u/disraeli73 1d ago edited 1d ago
Just don’t wear a MAGA hat or you might not make it through the first day:)
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u/WaltVinegar 1d ago
Culture: don't be all loud and shouty unless ye're on a hen night.
It's ok to say "cunt". It's the word before "cunt" that's important eg "funny cunt", "good cunt", "cheeky cunt", "charitable cunt" etc.
Self deprecation is the norm.
Complete strangers sometimes have the best chat. Even if ye don't smoke, visit a smoking section once in a while; ye'll make a new pal every time.
Manners cost hee haw, but are more valuable than diamonds.
If ye're walking about with a mate and ye see some wild nutter, you have an obligation to hit yer mate on the arm and go "there's yer best pal".
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u/username1310 1d ago
honestly whatever u wear in the US is deffo fine, uni students depending on subject area do tend to dress up a bit (ie, jeans or more put together outfits), especially in the humanities but wearing leggings and a jumper u wouldn't look out of place. most people don't carry an umbrella bc we just accept the fact it will probably rain lol but loads of people still do! I hope u enjoy ur time in Edinburgh!
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u/username1310 1d ago
also feel free to ask anymore questions, im not at uofe but uofg so similar vibes lol
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u/Ok_Garlic881 1d ago
The umbrella thing is mainly bc the weather is unpredictable and windy (esp in glas) - ive just found that having a go-to warm hooded water resistant/proof jacket is the way to go at least in winter, bc then you can always have it and dont have to deal w the wind
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u/FoxxiStarr2112 1d ago
Just what people have said - don’t be too loud, don’t mention MAGA or the mango Mussolini or Sissy SpaceX. Do prepare for 4 seasons in 1 day weather. Don’t be scared to chat to us - we’re pretty friendly really and can make the best pals.
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u/Upbeat-Minute6491 1d ago
Athletic wear is absolutely fine, especially for students. But assless chaps should only be worn on Sundays for church!
And Scots are generally a friendly bunch, but we don't really do the American 'Hi, how are you?' thing of speaking to strangers on the street, unless you're A) An old granny, or B) A nutter. And if we do say 'How are you doing?' that's just Hello, we don't actually want to hear how you're doing. It's not being unfriendly, I don't think, it's just what it is.
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u/mcphearsom1 1d ago
It’s a bit of a culture shock losing some food items, otherwise almost identical to the States except way fewer fascists and no risk of getting shot at the grocery store.
Apple sauce doesn’t exist in grocery stores, unless you want it as a fancy condiment.
The season really matters for produce, but the selection is generally way better
Generic clothes/shoes will fall apart. Bought some boots for my kid from primark, lasted less than 3 months. TK Max will have quality stuff for cheap, but you have to dig for it.
You can use your US driving license for a year, and the UK tests are fucking hard.
Shops close early, don’t expect to find a cafe or something open past 8.
SO MANY hills in Edinburgh, and more as you go north. If you’re biking, good luck.
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u/hannah_elizabeth283 17h ago
Wow that’s super helpful thanks! I didn’t even think about apple sauce!
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u/mcphearsom1 17h ago
There’s a bunch of little stuff like that. Pastry is fantastic, but cookies and other baked goods are… not flavorLESS? A decent frozen pizza can be had for like 1.60, but it’s called salami, not pepperoni. And free range eggs are everywhere and cheap.
Trains and buses are available, but more expensive than we thought they’d be.
The day/night cycle is intense. Didn’t realize we’re at the same latitude as the Hudson Bay, so get ready for sunlight at 11pm and dark at 330, depending on the month.
The difference in pay between a starting bus driver and a starting civil engineer is almost negligible. A livable wage is easy to find, but a good wage is fucking hard to find.
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u/Jeffdyer89 1d ago
It's culturally appropriate to twist a man's left nipple with you left hand when you shake his hand with your right hand the first time you meet him, in scotland. If you shake his hand and don't twist the nipple you insult his ancestors
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u/Zealousideal-Web8640 1d ago
Nobody cares what you wear in Scotland it's more about your attitude if you're nice most people will be nice to you
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u/Signal_Help9233 19h ago
So, umbrellas are kinda useless here lol. The wind will just yeet them haha, grab a waterproof jacket instead. For bags, I’d say a wee backpack or tote (something practical). Outfit-wise, leggings and a cozy jumper are perf, maybe with some waterproof boots cause it’ll probs be rainy and chilly (like 10-15 degrees). You’ll totally blend in with the student vibe! Have the best time, and deffo check out the West End for a night out 🥂
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u/Acrobatic-Shirt8540 Is toil leam càise gu mòr. 18h ago edited 18h ago
Nobody in Scotland carries a brolly (umbrella) because the rain comes in sideways in this country, making them pretty much useless 😆
Texas? I'm making a huge assumption here, but I'm going to guess that there will be several aspects of your own culture and upbringing that's going to get on people's tits. Tempering it slightly in the beginning might help things go more smoothly. If you're a Trump supporter, I'd keep that to yourself, because he's almost universally hated here, and nobody can understand how the US could elect such a contemptible prick.
As another example, almost everyone here would be for common sense gun control in the US, and if you're looking for a reason why, look up the Dunblane massacre.
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u/hannah_elizabeth283 17h ago
Not a Trump supporter and I’m not originally from Texas so I don’t have a southern accent, but I’ll be sure to tone it down! Thank you!
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u/intlteacher 1d ago
Others have half jokingly said about the MAGA hats - but yes, avoid politics (unless it’s laughing at England in some way.)
If you visit Glasgow, always have an umbrella handy in a backpack or something - even if it’s blue skies.
Other than that, you’ll quickly integrate easily into Edinburgh.
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u/Own-Psychology-5327 1d ago
Most people in Scotland aren't gonna give a shit about stuff you wear or have with you so i wouldn't worry about it. Unless it's something like a maga hat which might get you jumped in some places.