Communities worldwide have their own quirks and sense of identity.
This offers them a uniqueness that they can represent and share proudly with visitors to their home. Many consider this the spice of life.
However, in east-central Scotland you may find this is actually the spice of Fife and it has its own unique flavour indeed.
We asked our readers “What is one thing you should NEVER say to someone from Fife?” and compiled their answers into this list.
So, if you plan on visiting ‘The Kingdom’ soon or happen to be passing through, here’s 12 things you should NEVER say to someone from Fife.
5. “Who is Ken?”
Similar to the Scots word “barry”, “ken” also does not refer to a specific person when in Fife (not usually, anyway). In fact, it’s a common phrase used by Fifers to ask if you know something. For example: “Do ya ken where I can get parked in Kirkcaldy?" Photo: Cyano66 (via Getty Images)
6. “Fife is a town.”
Correction: Fife is made up of DOZENS of towns and villages. It was even one of the major Pictish kingdoms millennia ago, so don’t minimise it to “just a town.” Furthermore, Scotland’s oldest university dating back to 1413, St. Andrews University, is located in The Kingdom as well. Photo: Joe_proctor (via Getty Images)
7. “I don’t like Bayne’s rolls.”
Speaking of the 'spices of Fife', Bayne’s is a family bakery that produces freshly baked goods that are greatly enjoyed by the locals. That’s about all there is to it, so be mindful if you’re going to diss it. Right now, Bayne’s Bakers in Rosyth is boasting an almost flawlessly 5 star average score on RestaurantGuru. Photo: via Kirkcaldy4ALL
8. “Are you Fay Fife? That’s your name, Fay Fife! What’s up Fay?”
How we laughed. As impressive as your linguistic dexterity is connecting the Scots word “fae” to the name “Fay”, how about dinnae? “Fae” is Scots for “from” so if you’re “fae Fife” you’re “from Fife.” As the story goes, the lead singer of the punk legends The Rezillos - Fay Fife - was asked 'where you fae?' and replied, 'Fae Fife' - hence the name. Her real name is Shelaigh Hynd. (Pic: Cath Ruane) Photo: Cath Ruane