Feb 21, 2024
Scottish word of the day: Besom
Have you ever had a daughter talk back to you? Or a friend who promised to return your belongings weeks ago, and has yet to do so? Congratulations: you’ve just encountered a besom.
A Scots term whose definition has grown broader over time, it initially referred to immoral women.
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Contemporary usage of the term tends to be more lighthearted, and is more synonymous with someone with a bit of attitude, ie. “ya cheeky wee besom.”
More archaic uses of besom may also refer to traditional broomsticks, or someone of poor hygiene.