Scotland · noun and form of address

hen

A familiar way to address a woman or girl.

Reviewed entryScotland usageEditorial method

Uses your device’s built-in voice. Pronunciation is approximate because available voices and Scottish accents vary.

What hen means

Hen is used as a friendly or familiar form of address for a woman or girl, especially in parts of central and western Scotland.

Tone matters. It can sound warm, ordinary, patronising, or sharp depending on who says it and how.

Each example is followed by its intended plain-English meaning.

You all right, hen?

Are you all right?

Thanks, hen, that's a great help.

Thank you; that is very helpful.

Do not assume hen is always affectionate. Relationship and tone determine how it lands.

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