A Scottish term for the quality of being couthie — that is, warm, friendly, kind, and agreeable in a homey, unpretentious way.
A Scottish term for the quality of being couthie — that is, warm, friendly, kind, and agreeable in a homey, unpretentious way. Couthiness is the gentle art of making people feel welcome and at ease, the atmosphere of a cozy fireplace and genuine hospitality. It's the opposite of being cold, aloof, or standoffish. Scotland has a proud tradition of couthiness, and the word captures something about Scottish social warmth that doesn't quite translate into standard English.
The couthiness of the village was immediately apparent — neighbours waved from their gardens and the bakery owner remembered everyone's order.
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(Scotland) Friendly, agreeable, pleasant.
Couthie is a warm Scottish word meaning friendly, agreeable, pleasant, and comfortable — the kind of cosy, welcoming quality you find in a neighbour who always has the kettle on or a pub where everyone knows your name. It implies genuine warmth rather than forced politeness, the sort of easy sociability that makes you feel at home immediately. Couthie people don't put on airs; they're approachable, kind, and unpretentious in the best possible way.
(Scotland) A small cottage, especially one that was the home of a cottar.
(Scotland) In a brisk, lively or bold manner.
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(Scotland) The quality of being couthie.
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