Scottish Slang for Children: Wean, Bairn & More

How Scots Talk About Kids

• Wean (pronounced "wane") – Glasgow/West Central; "little one."
• Bairn – Northeast, Scots-wide; "child" (Old English origin).
• Wee one / Wee yin – Affectionate, universal.
• Tot – Playful, young child.
• Nipper – Cheeky/mischievous kid.
• Youngster – General, up to teens.

Regional variation is strong; "wean" and "bairn" are the most distinctively Scottish.