Picture by Kieran Meehan.
If you didn't uderstand a slightest thing in the whole joke, there's no need to feel devastated, for it does not mean you have failed in your English (which was actually Scottish)! Yet it does mean you'd better read this post up to the end not only to get the humour right, but to learn some more amusing Scottish words.
Let's start with one of my favourite words that could be well heard in the closes (= alleyway that leads between the blocks of flats sharig a common entry) of Edinburgh or Glasgow. The word is wee.
To hear the word and it's explanation you can visit The English We Speak, where there are two funny showmen to teach you how not to confuse the Scottish wee with the Japanese Wii. But if you do not feel like making that wee research, simply look at the picture again! Can you try and deduce the meaning of the word yourself?
Oh, yes, I can well imagine that puzzled look in your eyes right now. But do not stop trying! Let's do it together step by step.
Step 1.
Describe the picture. Whom do you see in it? Aha, right you are! An old lady talking to a young lady with a little baby in a pram. Three characters in total. So, who is HE in the talk of an auld (=old) lady? Presumably, a baby! Well done!
Step 2.
Describe the action of an auld lady. Whom is she looking at? So, any clue on whom is the What a wee bairn exclamation aboot (=about)? I'm more than sure you've guessed, she's talking aboot a little baby. So who is a wee bairn? Exactly!
Step 3.
The auld woman is amused by the wee bairn, yet she sorrowfully says he'll soon be sloating about street corners. Give a synonym to the phrase. Brilliant!
Step 4.
Just learn what Buckie is. Buckie is a tonic wine. Usually considered as rather cheap. Mostly drank in Scotland.
Step 5.
Read the sentence again. What have you understood? An auld lady is talking to a mother of a wee bairn, who can possibly grow up to drink Buckie in the streets, making a diddy of himself. Guess what is the meaning of the word diddy. Still face a problem? Peep into!
Hurray! We have done it!
Now that you have understood the joke, we may discuss it!
Do you think this picture depicts a burning issue of a modern society, especially in terms of a growing generation?
I'm eager to hear from you! What are YOUR thoughts on the issue?
PS Those who still require the translation, do not hesitate to ask for it!
