What Does ‘Havering’ Mean?
“If I haver, well I know I’m gonna be — I’m gonna be the man who’s haverin’ to you.”
It’s only the 9,000th time I’ve heard this perfect song, but for whatever reason today was the day I looked it up. (Apologies to everyone who already knows.) Per Wikipedia:
In Scottish English, haver (from the Scots havers (oats)) means “to maunder; to talk foolishly; to chatter,” as heard in the song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
This song rules so much. It came on the other day while my daughter and I were goofing around — sorry, while we were havering (?) — and it was such a joy to watch her get into it.
Discussion 6 comments
Truly a perfect song! :) It’s been on repeat regularly for about 3/4 of my life - starting with a cassette. I had never looked up havering before either and now wondering how I could have gone this long without knowing… thanks for your curiosity!
Very entertaining. Thanks for posting it. Made my day
Love The Proclaimers https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/sep/01/the-proclaimers-if-youre-going-to-propose-at-our-gig-make-sure-youre-sober-enough-to-get-in
I’m not usually that guy, but I remember being really taken with this cover of it from The Voice a few years back. I feel like the soberness matches the lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkrkWVfu8E4
I just got back from a trip to scotland with my two daughters (9 and 11) - we took a bus tour to the highlands and this song was a highlight of the trip. The tour guide plyed it a couple times and the entire bus joined in, and naturally did a front of the bus / back of the bus split of the call and response-y parts. Perfect fun.
I host karaoke professionally and sometimes I reward people who know what havering is with swag
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