scunner
Very LowInformal, Regional (chiefly Scottish and Northern English)
Definition
Meaning
A strong feeling of dislike, disgust, or aversion; to feel such a dislike.
Can refer to the object of such dislike (a person or thing that causes disgust). Also used as a verb meaning to become nauseated or disgusted, or to cause such a feeling.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a strong emotional weight of visceral disgust or profound irritation, often accumulated over time. It implies a deep-seated, almost physical revulsion rather than a mild dislike.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Almost exclusively used in Scottish and Northern English dialects. It is extremely rare and non-standard in American English, where it would be unrecognized by most speakers.
Connotations
In its native regions, it conveys a robust, colloquial authenticity. Outside those areas, it may sound archaic or deliberately folksy.
Frequency
Common in Scottish speech and writing; negligible elsewhere in the UK and virtually zero in the US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to take a scunner to [someone/something]to have a scunner against [someone/something][something] scunners [someone]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a scunner to someone/something: to develop a strong and lasting dislike.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in linguistic or literary studies of dialect.
Everyday
Used in informal speech in Scotland/Northern England to express strong personal dislike.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The constant rain fair scunnered me.
- I scunner at the very thought of it.
American English
- Not used in standard American English.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- He's a scunner of a man, always complaining.
- It was a scunner job to finish.
American English
- Not used in standard American English.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I took a real scunner to that new television presenter.
- He's a right scunner when he's in a bad mood.
- She's had a scunner against the manager ever since the promotion was decided.
- The whole dishonest affair just scunnered me completely.
- Despite his efforts to be charming, I developed an inexplicable and profound scunner towards him.
- The political corruption was a pure scunner that turned many voters away from the polls.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SKUNKing around, causing you such irritation that you say, "I've taken a real SKUNK-ner to them!"
Conceptual Metaphor
DISGUST IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN (to 'have' a scunner) or DISGUST IS AN AGGRESSOR (to 'take' a scunner).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "скука" (boredom). "Scunner" is active disgust, not passive boredom. Closer to "отвращение" or "омерзение", but with a colloquial, personal nuance.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside its regional dialect area where it is not understood.
- Confusing it with 'scoundrel' (a villain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'scunner' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a regional dialect word, common in Scotland and Northern England but very rare elsewhere.
Yes, primarily in Scottish usage, meaning to disgust or nauseate (e.g., 'That smell scunners me').
'Scunner' implies a much stronger, more visceral, and often more personal disgust than the neutral 'dislike'. It suggests an aversion that has grown over time.
Only if you are learning about Scottish/Northern English dialects or encounter it in literature. It is not necessary for general English communication.