What does plu mean?
Plu is a chiefly Scots and northern English word for a plan or scheme, especially one involving cunning, secrecy, or elaborate preparation. As a noun, it names a proposed course of action: “What’s the plu?” asks not merely what someone intends to do but, often, what manoeuvre they are devising. As a verb, plu means to plan or scheme and can carry the same slightly suspicious colouring as plot. The word is now mainly literary or dialectal, so most speakers of standard British and American English will recognize it chiefly through Scottish writing or the familiar question “What’s the plu?” Because plu covers both a neutral plan and a more calculating scheme, context matters. In praise of a practical proposal, it may sound merely informal, while in a discussion of somebody’s private intentions it can suggest intrigue. Nevertheless, it is a compact and characterful piece of Scots vocabulary, useful precisely because it draws attention not only to what is planned but also to the act of planning itself.
A plan, plot, or scheme, especially an elaborate or secret one.
"The minister had a plu for improving the service."
Chiefly Scottish and northern English; now chiefly dialectal or literary.
To plan, plot, or contrive something.
"They were pluing a response to the allegations."
The verb often has a connotations of careful or potentially secretive planning.
A count noun; the standard plural is pluses.
"The committee prepared several pluses for handling the crisis."
Say “what’s the plu?” and you’re speaking Scots for “what’s the plan?”—with a hint that there may be more to it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of plu
Plu is a Scots and northern English dialect word, with an older spelling variant plue also recorded. Historically, it expressed ideas associated with a plan, plot, or deliberate scheme. Its ultimate etymology is uncertain, and it should not confidently be assigned to a particular foreign root.
Related word forms
How plu is actually used
Chiefly Scottish and northern English, now used mainly in dialectal or literary contexts. It is uncommon in standard British and American English. Depending on context, it can suggest an ordinary plan or, more negatively, a calculating or secret scheme.