Helpful Ulster-Scots guide released for visitors to Open

The list, which includes words like crabbit, crack, danner, footery, foundered and hoke, together with their meanings in English, is published on the Ulster-Scots Agency’s website and Facebook page.

The post, which is written entirely in Ulster-Scots, features a photo of former US Open winner Graeme McDowell in a striking tartan jacket (received for winning a tournament in the US).

It refers to his Portrush roots and the fact that many people in the area speak Ulster-Scots, stating: “Graeme McDowell is frae North Antrim, whaur monie fowk taak tha Ulster-Scotch leid.”

It also mischievously pokes fun at his acce nt, adding: “Ye widnae ken it noo he taaks aa American.

“If yer up roon Portrush fur tha gowf, aiblins ye’ll meet yin or twa Ulster-Scotch taakers.”

The tongue in cheek nature of the post is emphasised with the addition of a winking emoji.

Replying to the post, one social media user wrote: “I have used some of these at times didn’t realise they were ‘real’ words. Thought they were slang.”

An Ulster-Scots Agency spokesperson said: “It’s fantastic that so many thousands of people are visiting Portrush and the wider north coast for the Open.

“Since the area is part of the coastal arc of Northern Ireland where the Ulster-Scots language is strongest, we thought it would be a good idea to make sure that folk could recognise and understand Ulster-Scots when they came across it. “We have bantered GMAC a wee bit, but we are sure as a local he will take it in good part and naturally we wish him all the best for the remainder of the tournament.”

The full list can be found on the Ulster-Scots Agency website or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency