A Scottish word for a rough cough or gasp, particularly the kind of effortful sound associated with clearing the throat, a dry rasp, or a sudden struggle to catch breath.
A Scottish word for a rough cough or gasp, particularly the kind of effortful sound associated with clearing the throat, a dry rasp, or a sudden struggle to catch breath. The word is onomatopoeic and sits naturally in Scots dialect. It can describe a cough, a wheeze, or the involuntary sound someone makes when startled or winded unexpectedly. Onomatopoeia at its most precise.
The old man gave a hauch and settled back in his chair, waving off any concern.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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A waucht (also spelled waught) is a Scottish word for a big, hearty swig or draught of liquid — usually something alcoholic. It's not a delicate sip; it's a proper, lung-filling gulp. Robert Burns famously used it in "Auld Lang Syne" — "we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet" vibes, but even more vivid. The word has a satisfying weight to it that perfectly captures the act of throwing back a generous mouthful. Rare outside Scotland but instantly understood by anyone who loves old Scots vocabulary.
A fuss, an uproar, a commotion or stir; hype; brouhaha, hullabaloo.
(Scotland) A large draught of any liquid.
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Scottish dialect for a cough or gasp, particularly the kind that is forced, phlegmy, or repeated. 'Hauch' captures a specific sound quality — a rough, effortful exhalation — making it more vivid than a plain 'cough.' It is used descriptively in Scottish literary and dialectal writing to evoke the physical experience of coughing, especially in cold or wet conditions. The word has an onomatopoeic quality that reflects the sound it describes.
He let out a long hauch and rubbed his chest before muttering something about the damp weather.
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(Scotland) A cough or gasp.
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