Why this Belfast teacher didn't start writing until she was in her 50s – and why that was perfect timing
Belfast author and English teacher Wendy Erskine was the first person in her family to go to university. So after graduating with a first-class honours degree with awards for her academic work, any outsider looking in on her life might have expected her to be flying high on the wings of youthful success.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
The best Scots words that are on the decline according to Scottish people
These favourite words from the Scots language include everything from 'moger' to 'skelf'. Scottish people have shared their picks for the best Scots words that are "on the decline". Everything from 'oxters' to 'clarty' was suggested. While Scotland is known for many things, our language is arguably the most iconic. We are lucky enough to have three national languages; English, Gaelic, and Scots. While most of us don't speak Scots - and some incorrectly just see it as a dialect - there are so many Scots words and phrases that are still commonly heard around the country to this day, that we will all know at least one or two. However, one Scot recently took to social media to ask others from the country which words are not used so much anymore. Posting on the Scotland community on online forum Reddit, they asked: "What are some of your favourite Scots words that are on the decline?" They added: "As someone who is from an area where Scots is widely spoken in day-to-day life, what are some of your favourite Scots words which you hardly hear spoken nowadays? "I've been in situations where someone who is Scottish might not understand the meaning of a word due to it being used by some areas or the older generation. One of these is 'moger' which means a mess/untidy or something that's been done badly." Since being shared on Sunday, June 22, the post has received almost 400 responses. Many have shared their suggestions for the top Scots words and phrases that are falling out of style. One of the top responses came from a Reddit user who suggested 'oxters' is among the best Scots words "on the decline". The word refers to a person's armpits. Another user replied: "I always feel stupid when someone doesn't know what an oxter is. It takes me ages to remember to reply with armpit." Meanwhile, a second response to the question reads: "Skoosh. I heard someone talking about skooshie cream recently (pressurised in a can) and thought it was hilarious." Many Scots use the word 'skoosh', which means 'squirt' or 'splash'. As the Reddit user stated, the most well-known example is skooshy cream—referring to whipped cream from a can. But it can also mean when something was easy; a skoosh, like a piece of cake. Or if you found something really easy, you skooshed it. Elsewhere, one Reddit user stated that they haven't heard the word 'skelf' in "a long time". A 'skelf' is a splinter of wood, usually one that is embedded in a person's skin. Another suggestion for the best "Scots words that are on the decline" was 'clarty'. It is an adjective that means 'filthy' or 'muddy', which is very appropriate given Scotland's famously unpredictable weather. One Scot proposed 'cludgie', adding that they "love that word." A 'cludgie' usually refers to a toilet or an outhouse. Other phrases that were named include 'are ye glaikit' and 'coorie in'. The former translates to 'are you stupid', while 'coorie in' refers to snuggling up or getting cosy. The full list of responses can be found on the Reddit website. As reported by the Daily Record, 13 Scottish words have just been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Among the new additions is 'skooshy'.
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
According to Gen Z, you've been using these 8 words all wrong
Think 'ate' means having lunch? Or 'serve' is something to do with dinner? We hate to break it to you, but you might need to rethink your vocab. Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are reinventing language, turning everyday words into trending buzzwords that have completely different meanings. And they're not just inventing words, they're transforming old ones too. If you don't have a Gen Z niece, nephew or co-worker to keep you in the loop, and you're feeling a little lost, you're not alone. A study by English learning app Preply found that 30% of Gen X workers admit they have difficulty understanding their millennial and Gen Z coworkers. So, if you're thinking about expanding your vocab, these are the words you need to know. Then: Opposition or enemy Now: Original poster What used to describe your enemy or rival now simply refers to the person who started a post or thread online. Having transitioned from street slang to social media dialect, you'll now find this acronym on Reddit, X, and TikTok communities. Then: A maths equation Now: Outperforming someone's social post in likes Once confined to your GCSE revision nightmares, the term 'ratio' now carries a whole new kind of drama. On social media, if someone replies to your post and their comment racks up more likes than yours, you've officially been ratioed. 'It's often used as a form of protest. People simply comment 'ratio' under a post they disagree with, and if that comment ends up with more likes than the original, it's considered a digital win for the reply. Then: A hit with the hand Now: Incredibly good While it used to mean hitting something with your hand, it is now used to describe something that's really good. 'This slaps' is a common reaction after hearing a particularly great song or taking a delicious bite of food. Then: Having eaten Now: Doing an amazing job When someone 'ate' (and left no crumbs), it means they excelled at something, the language experts at Preply explain. It can be used in a number of contexts, from when someone beautifully styles an outfit to aces their exam. You'll often see this word in the comments section of photos, especially when enthusiastic friends or fans are hyping someone up. Then: To offer someone Now: Looking effortlessly great or doing something cool without trying Previously, 'serve' meant to present something to somebody, typically food or drink. Nowadays, if someone is 'serving', they're turning heads. If your friend's look is on point or their confidence is off the charts, you'd tell them they're serving, and they'd know exactly what you mean. Then: Backstory in gaming or fantasy Now: Used for personal backstories or drama What began in fantasy novels and Dungeons & Dragons games has found a second life in the group chat. From celebrity feuds to your friend's long-lasting situationship, everything now has lore. Simply put, it refers to the backstory or context behind something. If someone says 'the lore is wild', you know there's a backstory worth delving into. Then: Pulled along the ground Now: Publicly criticised or exposed If you've been dragged online, you've been metaphorically pulled through the mud. More Trending It could come in the form of a jibe, a clapback, or even a string of brutal emojis. Either way, someone's got a problem, and they want everyone to see it. Then: The centre of something Now: Added to anything to make it an aesthetic From 'cottagecore' to 'balletcore' to 'fairycore', adding 'core' to the end of a word instantly gives it a distinct aesthetic. You'll often see it on Pinterest and TikTok, used to define specific vibes or niche subcultures. Whatever you're into, there's almost certainly a 'core' for it. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Trolls came for my looks, business and parenting – I want Tattle Life's demise MORE: I name and shame Tattle gossip trolls – and even tell their bosses MORE: A year ago Hawk Tuah girl went viral – Metro catches up with Haliey Welch to find out what happened next Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Why this Belfast teacher didn't start writing until she was in her 50s – and why that was perfect timing
Belfast author and English teacher Wendy Erskine was the first person in her family to go to university. So after graduating with a first-class honours degree with awards for her academic work, any outsider looking in on her life might have expected her to be flying high on the wings of youthful success.
