I dinnae ken

I dinnae ken

ah DIN-ay KEN a ˈdɪneː kɛn
Phrase

Don’t know.

Example Sentences

"I dinnae ken what ye mean."
"I dinnae ken where it is."

Etymology & History

Classic Scots phrase meaning "I don't know." Combines "I" + "dinnae" (don't) + "ken" (know). Perhaps the most famous Scots phrase internationally.

Word Details

📍
Region
Scotland
📅
Era
1700s
Language
none
💬
Formality
informal

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