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up the kyte

Scottish slang for pregnant.

ˈʌp ðə ˈkaɪtSilenthistoricalHistorical234 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026Global

Scottish slang for pregnant. 'Kyte' is a Scottish dialect word for belly or stomach, so 'up the kyte' means essentially 'with a swollen belly.' It is informal and typically used in casual speech without particular delicacy. Belongs to a long tradition of Scottish belly-based pregnancy euphemisms. More colorful than clinical but not considered particularly offensive.

Turns out she'd been up the kyte for three months before she told anyone.
Origin: From Scots 'kyte' (belly, stomach), from Old Norse kviðr (belly). 'Up the' follows the pattern of 'up the duff' and similar pregnancy slang. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(Scotland, slang) pregnant.

For parents

"up the kyte" is a regional or dialect word meaning pregnant. It is most likely picked up from family, a particular part of the country, or a piece of regional media. There is nothing to worry about: dialect vocabulary is a sign of place and heritage, not of any risky behaviour. If anything, it is a nice opportunity to talk about where the word comes from and which side of the family or which place uses it.

For ESL learners

"up the kyte" is regional / dialectal English meaning pregnant. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "pregnant" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake is to use "up the kyte" outside its region; speakers from elsewhere may not understand it or may find it self-consciously local. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

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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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