How Do You Spell AULD?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːld] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "auld" may seem a bit peculiar to English learners, especially considering its simple meaning of "old" in Scots and Scottish English. The reason for this lies in its pronunciation, which is closer to "awld" than "old", due to the Scottish accent. Therefore, the "au" combination is used instead of the more common "o", to represent the sound /ɔː/, as in "caught" or "thought". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "auld" is represented as /ɔːld/.

AULD Meaning and Definition

  1. Auld is an adjective derived from the Middle English word "ald" and is predominantly used in Scottish and Northern English dialects. It primarily refers to something or someone old, ancient, or of long-standing duration. The term often carries connotations of tradition, history, and familiarity.

    When describing people, auld typically characterizes individuals with advanced age, though it can be used more affectionately to denote simply old in years. In this context, it may connote respect or veneration for the wisdom and experiences gained over a long life.

    The term frequently appears in Scottish folk songs and literature, evoking a sense of nostalgia. It can emphasize the sentimental attachment to bygone eras, reminiscing about the past and commemorating ancestral heritage.

    Auld can also describe inanimate objects, places, or ideas that have been around for a considerable length of time. It often indicates a sense of enduring quality, reliability, or authenticity. For instance, when referring to Auld Lang Syne, a traditional Scots poem and song, it embodies the idea of long-lasting friendship and memories, expressing a desire to maintain connections even across time.

    Overall, auld is a linguistic relic that preserves the cultural traditions and historical depth of the Scottish and Northern English dialects while conveying notions of age, wisdom, and a connection to the past.

Common Misspellings for AULD

  • zuld
  • quld
  • ayld
  • ahld
  • ajld
  • aild
  • a8ld
  • a7ld
  • aukd
  • aupd
  • auod
  • auls
  • aulx
  • aulc
  • aulf
  • aulr
  • aule
  • zauld
  • azuld

Etymology of AULD

The word auld is an archaic form of the word old in the Scottish dialects. It shares the same etymology as the word old in English. Both words ultimately trace back to the Germanic language family, specifically the Old English word eald and the Old High German word alt. These terms were derived from the Proto-Germanic word aldaz, which meant grown up or grown old. The word auld is still used in certain Scottish and Irish dialects as a poetic or regional variation of old.

Idioms with the word AULD

  • auld lang syne The idiom "auld lang syne" is a phrase from Scottish language that translates to "old long since" in English. It is commonly used to refer to the nostalgic remembrance of times gone by and is most famously associated with the traditional song sung on New Year's Eve. The phrase encapsulates the idea of cherishing old friendships, memories, and the spirit of goodwill, particularly during the transition from one year to the next.

Similar spelling words for AULD

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