What does poot mean?
Poot is a chiefly Scottish word with two closely related uses. As a noun, it means excrement, especially a lump of it; as a verb, it means to defecate. Its plainness gives it an earthy, often mildly humorous quality, and it may sound more familiar and affectionate in traditional Scottish usage than it does in formal writing. Poot is also used in older or regional English associated with Scotland, but it is not generally part of standard contemporary American English. The word is useful because it illustrates how regional dialects often preserve vivid, direct vocabulary that standard dictionaries may treat as unusual. It should be used with attention to context: although it can function as a comic or characteristically Scots expression, it is plainly unsuitable for formal or euphemistic occasions.
A lump or quantity of excrement.
"He slipped on a poot near the farmhouse."
Chiefly Scottish and blunt or vulgar; often humorous in informal regional storytelling.
To defecate.
"The dog pooted beside the path."
Chiefly Scottish; the plain register can make the verb sound jocular or dismissive.
The plural is used for separate lumps of excrement.
"The farmer found several poots near the sheep pen."
Poot is one of Scots’ most earthy words, serving as both a noun for excrement and a verb for defecating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poot come from?
Poot is chiefly associated with Scottish Scots. Its precise ultimate origin is uncertain, and the word is now especially notable as a regional form with both noun and verb uses.
Related word forms
How poot is actually used
The noun is blunt and potentially vulgar, while the verb can sound direct or dismissive. The word is chiefly associated with Scottish Scots rather than standard British or American English.
Easily confused with poot
Poot is a chiefly Scottish word for excrement or to defecate, whereas pout usually means to protrude the lips or express displeasure.