When visiting Scotland, “Scotch” is a word one should use carefully because it may offend someone. As written in our list of things you should never say to someone from Scotland, the locals here are known as Scots or Scottish but never Scotch which is a term largely reserved for food items.
Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines Scots, Scottish and Scotch as “belonging to, native of, or characteristic of Scotland” however their application differs, in some cases even legally.
For example, Scotch Whisky (or in Scottish Gaelic “Uisge Beatha” which means “water of life”) is a famous Scottish export which has been written into law via the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009.
Broadly speaking, it’s a safe bet to just use ‘Scottish’, but if we’re getting specific then here are ten times it’s okay to use “Scotch”.
For example, Scotch Whisky (or in Scottish Gaelic “Uisge Beatha” which means “water of life”) is a famous Scottish export which has been written into law via the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009.
![Scotch pancakes are also known as 'drop' or 'dropped scones', because of the action of dropping soft spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan. The recipe is very simple and they serve as a delicious breakfast or dessert. Scotch Pancakes are compared to their ‘American cousins’ but thought to have more history and tradition behind them.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjM4M2VmZTNmLWNkYTgtNGJjMC1hNDliLThkNmUxOTNhZjBjNTozNjUwZjBmMy05ZTU3LTRmMWYtYTYzMy03OTg5ZmEwMjE4OGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. Scotch Pancakes
Scotch pancakes are also known as 'drop' or 'dropped scones', because of the action of dropping soft spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan. The recipe is very simple and they serve as a delicious breakfast or dessert. Scotch Pancakes are compared to their ‘American cousins’ but thought to have more history and tradition behind them. Photo: Danny Chapman on Flickr
![As the Collins Dictionary puts it: “Scotch tape is a clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall."](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/10/13/13/Daboost%20via%20Canva%20Pro.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Scotch Tape
As the Collins Dictionary puts it: “Scotch tape is a clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall."