Siller is a Scots word that means money. It is often spelled with two L's, but some may spell it with a single L as "siler." The phonetic transcription for the word siller is /ˈsɪlər/. The first sound is "s" as in "sand," followed by "i" as in "sit," "l" as in "lake," "e" as in "elephant," and "r" as in "run." The stress is on the first syllable, as indicated by the accent mark above the "i."
Siller is a noun that refers to a type of currency. Specifically, it is an archaic and historical term used primarily in Scotland. Derived from the Old English word "sceat," meaning "small coin," siller traditionally referred to a small unit of money or a small denomination silver coin.
In Scotland, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, siller was commonly used to denote various small denominations of silver coins, including those known as groats, bawbees, placks, and merks. These coins held different values and were minted by various Scottish monarchs. Siller played a crucial role in the Scottish economy, serving as a medium of exchange for everyday transactions.
Although siller is no longer widely used as a legal form of currency, the term persists in Scottish linguistic and cultural contexts. It is often employed in poetry, literature, or informal conversations, particularly in regions with a rich Scottish heritage. In modern times, the word siller can evoke a sense of nostalgia for the old times or be used as a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage.
Overall, siller is a historical term used to refer to various types of small denomination silver coins that were prevalent in Scotland in previous centuries.
The word "siller" originates from Middle English, specifically from the Old English word "sylfor", which means "silver". It is related to the German word "Silber" and Dutch word "zilver", both meaning "silver" as well. Over time, "sylfor" evolved into "sylfur" in Middle English, which eventually transformed into "siller" in Scottish English. In Scots dialects, "siller" refers to money, echoing the historical importance of silver as a form of currency. Today, it is primarily used in Scotland and Northern England.