scotch

Everyday

1. (noun) Scotch is whisky made in Scotland (an alcoholic drink for adults). tree →
2. (verb) To stop a rumour, idea or plan, often by showing it is false: "scotch a rumour". tree →
3. (adjective) Used in some fixed names: Scotch egg (a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs), Scotch pancake, Scotch mist. tree →
4. (a name) Scotch tape is a US brand of clear sticky tape (UK: Sellotape). tree →
5. Scotch can also be an old word meaning Scottish, as in "Scotch ballads". tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, children meet Scotch eggs at picnics and Scotch tape in the US. Adults may drink Scotch. In news and formal talk, people "scotch rumours". Note: for people from Scotland, say "Scottish" or "Scots", not "Scotch", which many Scottish people find old-fashioned or wrong. Phrases: scotch a rumour, Scotch egg, Scotch tape, Scotch whisky, Scotch mist.

Examples

• We had Scotch eggs at the picnic. tree →
• The head teacher scotched the rumour that school would close. tree →
• Can you pass the Scotch tape? (US) tree →
• Grandad likes a glass of Scotch after dinner. tree →
• The rain scotched our plans for a barbecue. tree →
• She is Scottish, not "Scotch"! tree →
• Soon there was an army of brave Scotch-men around him. tree →

Note

Capital S for the whisky and in Scotch egg; small s for the verb. Use "Scottish" for people and most things from Scotland. Alcohol is for adults only.