Scot

Scot is a demonym for a person from Scotland. In modern usage the term denotes an individual from Scotland, while “the Scots” refers to the Scottish people as a group. The adjective is Scottish. In historical contexts, the term also described Gaelic-speaking peoples of Scotland and Ireland, with early Latin sources using Scoti.

Etymology and language: The word derives from Old English Scot, from Latin Scotus, with Scoti in medieval Latin. Historically, Scoti referred to Gaels in both Ireland and Scotland; over time it came to denote people of Scotland specifically. The term “Scots” is also used for the Scots language (Lowland Scots), a West Germanic tongue closely related to English and distinct from Scottish Gaelic, which is a Celtic language.

Usage today: In contemporary prose, “Scot” is a singular demonym; “the Scots” is used for the people collectively. “Scotch” is largely restricted to whisky and certain historic phrases; “Scottish” or “Scots” are the usual adjectives. The term Scot aims for neutral, factual usage in encyclopedia-style writing. See also: Scotland, Scottish people, Scots language, Scottish Gaelic.