Numbers in Scots
Numbers in Scots follow a vigesimal (base-20) system combined with decimal elements, making their counting both unique and complex. Spoken primarily in Scotland and parts of Ulster, Scots has approximately 1.5 million speakers. Its counting system features irregular forms for numbers eleven and twelve, and distinctive words for tens and hundreds. The language's rich history and close relation to English influence its numerals, creating a fascinating blend of regularity and irregularity. Understanding the numbers in Scots offers insights into its cultural heritage and linguistic structure, making it a captivating subject for language enthusiasts and linguists alike.
Number system
The Scots counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key multiplier. Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: ane [1], twa [2], three [3], fower [4], five [5], sax [6], seiven [7], aicht [8], nine [9]. Numbers eleven and twelve are irregular: eleiven [11] and twal [12]. From thirteen to nineteen, words are formed by adding -teen to the unit: thirteeen [13], fowerteen [14], fifteen [15], saxteen [16], seiventeen [17], aichteen [18], nineteen [19]. Tens are formed starting with the digit followed by -ty: twinty [20], thretty [30], fowerty [40], fifty [50], saxty [60], seiventy [70], aichty [80], ninety [90]. Compound numbers combine these: for example, twinty-twa [22], saxty-aicht [68]. Hundreds are formed by the digit followed by 'hunder' (hundred): ane hunder [100], twa hunder [200], three hunder [300], and so on. Thousands are formed similarly: ane thoosand [1,000], twa thoosand [2,000], etc. Larger numbers like million and billion follow international terms: million [10^6], billion [10^9].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from zero to nine
Digits 0-9 are represented by specific words: nocht [0], ane [1], twa [2], three [3], fower [4], five [5], sax [6], seiven [7], aicht [8], nine [9]. For example, 3 is 'three', 6 is 'sax', and 9 is 'nine'.
Numbers eleven and twelve
Eleven and twelve are irregular: eleiven [11] and twal [12], differing from the pattern of adding -teen. For example, 11 is 'eleiven', 12 is 'twal'.
Numbers thirteen to nineteen
Formed by adding -teen to the unit word, with exceptions: thirteen or thriteen [13], fowerteen [14], fifteen [15], saxteen [16], seiventeen [17], aichteen [18], nineteen [19]. For example, 15 is 'fifteen'.
Tens
Tens are formed starting with the digit followed by -ty, with exceptions: ten [10], twinty [20], thretty [30], fowerty [40], fifty [50], saxty [60], seiventy [70], aichty [80], ninety [90]. For example, 30 is 'thretty', 70 is 'seiventy'.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 22 or 68 are formed by combining the ten and unit with a hyphen: twinty-twa [22], saxty-aicht [68]. For example, 42 is 'fowerty-twa'.
Hundreds
Formed by the digit followed by 'hunder', separated by a space: ane hunder [100], twa hunder [200], three hunder [300]. For example, 300 is 'three hunder'.
Thousands
Formed similarly, with the digit followed by 'thoosand': ane thoosand [1,000], twa thoosand [2,000], nine thoosand [9,000]. For example, 1,500 is 'fifteen hunder' (not specified, but consistent with hundreds).
Unique features
The vigesimal system is evident in words like twinty [20], seiventy [70], and saxty [60], showing a base-20 influence.
Unlike English, Scots irregularly forms eleven ('eleiven') and twelve ('twal'), which are unique and not derived from the pattern of adding -teen.
Numbers like 68 ('saxty-aicht') demonstrate the hyphenated compound formation, blending tens and units in a consistent pattern.
Large numbers such as million and billion are borrowed directly from international terminology, showing modern adaptation.
The use of 'hunder' for hundred and 'thoosand' for thousand reflects older Germanic roots, with consistent patterning for multiples.
Cultural context
Spoken mainly in Scotland and parts of Ulster, Scots is a vital part of regional identity and cultural heritage. It is used in daily conversation, local literature, and traditional music. Numbers appear in trade, storytelling, and celebrations. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the language's rich oral tradition preserves its unique numerals. Scots reflects a deep connection to history, with its vigesimal system hinting at ancient counting practices. Its use in rural communities and cultural festivals helps maintain its vibrancy, ensuring that the numbers in Scots remain a living part of regional identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The word for 11, 'eleiven', is irregular and does not follow the pattern of adding -teen, setting Scots apart from standard English.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal-based, Scots uses a vigesimal system, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
Fact 3: The compound formation like 'saxty-aicht' for 68 shows a consistent pattern of combining tens and units with hyphens, similar to other Germanic languages.
Fact 4: Historically, the vigesimal system may have roots in ancient counting practices, possibly linked to counting on fingers and toes.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Scots adopts international terms like 'million' and 'billion', integrating modern numeric concepts into traditional language.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Scots?
1 - ane, 2 - twa, 3 - three, 4 - fower, 5 - five, 6 - sax, 7 - seiven, 8 - aicht, 9 - nine, 10 - ten.
What number base does Scots use?
Scots primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like twinty [20], seiventy [70], and saxty [60], which are formed around 20 as a key multiplier.
How do you say 42 in Scots?
42 is 'fowerty-twa', formed by 'fowerty' [40] plus 'twa' [2], linked with a hyphen.
How do you say 100 in Scots?
100 is 'ane hunder', formed by 'ane' [1] plus 'hunder' (hundred).
How many people speak Scots?
Approximately 1.5 million speakers, mainly in Scotland and parts of Ulster in Ireland.
Is Scots related to other languages?
Yes, Scots is a West Germanic language, closely related to English, and shares roots with other Germanic languages.
What makes Scots counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, irregular forms for eleven and twelve, and compound number formations like 'saxty-aicht' make Scots counting distinctive.
Sources
- Scots online