Sassenach is a Scottish Gaelic-derived word that Scots (and Irish) have used for centuries to refer to English people or, sometimes, Lowland Scots who've abandoned Highland culture. It literally means 'Saxon' and carries centuries of cultural friction — though today it ranges from a genuine put-down to playful teasing. Widely popularized by the TV series Outlander, where it's used as an affectionate nickname, the word has gone from niche insult to something many non-Scots now recognize and even embrace.
The pub went quiet when the sassenach opened his mouth and his accent gave him away immediately.
No comments yet — say something.
(Scotland, pejorative) An English person.
No comments yet — say something.
(Scotland, pejorative) A Lowland Scot.
No comments yet — say something.
Add your own interpretation of "sassenach".
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.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.