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Waught

Dialect
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A Scots dialect word meaning a large draught or gulp of liquid; it implies a hearty, generous, and satisfying drink, often of ale or wine.

Detailed Definition
"Waught" is a satisfyingly physical word for a satisfying physical action, the generous, unashamed drinking of good liquid in one go. It appears in Burns's convivial poems and drinking songs, celebrating the pleasure of refreshment among friends. The word's sound — that long, open vowel — enacts the expansive gesture it describes, and in verse it contributes to the tradition of Scots social poetry that celebrates honest pleasure without apology. "Waught" belongs to a world of communal drinking, shared warmth, and the good fellowship of the howff and fireside.
Example
Example in poetry:
"Waught" means a large draught or gulp of liquid; Burns uses "waught" in "Tam o' Shanter": "Wi' tippeny, we fear nae evil; / Wi' usquabae, we'll face the devil! / The swats sae ream'd in Tammie's noddle, / Fair play, he car'd na deils a boddle." and elsewhere in celebratory drinking contexts; A poet might write: "He took a waught of the amber ale — / and felt his courage start tae scale." for a scene of fortification; "A waught of spring water, cold and clear — / the finest drink throughout the year." applies the word to natural refreshment; "She raised the cup and took a waught — / a toast to all that life had brought." uses drinking as ritual; "A waught of wisdom, if ye can — / drink deep of thought before ye plan." extends the word metaphorically; "One lang waught and he set doun the cup — / the night was done, the sun was up." uses the gesture to close a poem
Additional Notes
Waught is strongly associated with conviviality, hospitality, tavern culture, and celebratory drinking in Scottish verse, especially in Burns and other vernacular poets. A waught is not merely a sip but a generous draught, often suggesting masculine camaraderie, festive ritual, or emotional release. In literary contexts, alcohol may symbolise friendship, nationalism, melancholy, or earthly pleasure. Compare with Scots yill (ale) and English draught. Professors examining Scots poetry may note how such terms create authentic social setting and preserve oral speech rhythms central to vernacular literary tradition.
Also Known As
Draught Draft Gulp Quaff
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