The term “Scotch broth” was first used in the 18th century, with references found in Scottish and British literature around that time. Originally, “Scotch” was simply a descriptor for anything Scottish, and “broth” referred to a soup or stock-based dish, often made with meat and vegetables.
Scotch broth became popular in British cuisine as a nourishing soup known for its Scottish roots, especially associated with colder months and rural life.
In general, Scotch broth is indeed primarily known as a traditional Scottish soup. However, after its mention in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer, it took on a surprising new slang meaning, being used as a euphemism for semen in a particular context within the show.
This scene from Baby Reindeer captures a mix of flirtation, humor, and tension between Donny and Martha, highlighting their playful yet awkward dynamic. Martha’s cheeky double entendre about wanting the “Scotch Broth” reveals her flirtatious nature and hints at her desire for intimacy with Donny, using “Scotch Broth” as a euphemism
INT. INDEPENDENT CAFE, TABLE – DAY. (OCTOBER 2015)
Donny is opposite Martha. Awkward silence. As they peruse the
menus. Occasionally, their eyes meet and Martha responds by
putting the menu over her face and giggling self-consciously.
DONNY
Do you know what you’re having–?
MARTHA
I want the Scotch Broth. Just
trying to figure out if it’s on the
menu or not.
DONNY
I don’t see it, I– (realising what she means)
Oh…
Martha lets out another giggling shriek.
MARTHA
Well, is it on the menu?
DONNY
(beat)
No, I’m afraid not.
19.
20.
Martha looks deflated. Donny sees her looking morose. Then
leans in to say, flirtatiously–
DONNY
You’ll find it in the specials
though…
Martha howls with laughter in a volume far outweighing the
strength of the joke. Some people shoot over annoyed glances.
DONNY
Wow! That’s… some laugh…
MARTHA
I get that all the time, Chuckles
Buckles my dad use to call me–
with his big hands–
DONNY
Well, Chuckles Buckles– do you
have a volume dial? Can I turn you
down a bit?
MARTHA
You’d have to turn me on first.
Martha grins at him.
MARTHA
Just so you know, my on-switch is
my nipple– and you have to tweak
it with your tongue–
Donny cannot help but laugh. When, suddenly–
MARTHA
So are you serious about me–? I
can take it, just be honest, I’ve
overseen some of the biggest cases
in the world, Hollywood, you name
it– I can deal with anything– (growing desperate)
Would be a shame, obviously, with
the curtains, getting my hopes up
but I’d work through it– (tearing up) — I’d work through it–
Donny looks at her. As she blinks back tears.
DONNY
Yes, I‘m serious about you–
Martha starts shrieking with joy. Donny tries to calm her.
DONNY
Wait! Wait! As a friend! Okay?
20.
Buff Rev. (22/08/22) 21.
MARTHA
Friends. Okay. With benefits.
DONNY
Just friends.
Martha nods as if to suggest a hidden meaning. Donny shakes
his head with slight frustration. The WAITRESS comes over. *
WAITRESS *
Can I get you guys something?
DONNY
Yeah. An Americano please–
Donny hands the menu back. The waitress looks to Martha. *
MARTHA
I’ll just have some tap water.
DONNY
You not having anything–?
MARTHA
Can’t afford it.
DONNY
I’ll get it, just–
MARTHA
Okay, a croissant, a flapjack, and
a chocolate brownie. And a coffee.
WAITRESS *
What kind of coffee–?
Martha doesn’t understand the question and goes into shutdown *
mode. Donny turns to the waitress and answers for her. *
DONNY
Decaf.
The waitress leaves. Donny studies Martha. Sussing her out.
This creative use of “Scotch broth” in the series plays on both the association with Scotland and the soup’s somewhat viscous appearance, turning it into an unexpected and humorous metaphor.
There are several slang terms that are commonly used to refer to semen. Some of these terms are often lighthearted, while others may be considered explicit or humorous. Here are a few examples:
- Jizz
- Cum
- Load
- Man Juice
- Baby Batter
- Seed
- Splooge
- Cream
- Love Juice
- Spunk
Historically, “Scotch broth” has appeared in other TV shows and films, typically as a cozy, traditional dish symbolizing Scottish culture.
Shows like Downton Abbey and Outlander have referenced Scotch broth as part of a nod to British and Scottish heritage, reinforcing its culinary roots.
But with Baby Reindeer, the term has evolved into a playful, edgy slang term, at least within the context of the show, marking a departure from its conventional image as a beloved soup.
What is scotch broth
Scotch Broth is a traditional Scottish soup made from a hearty combination of lamb or beef, barley, and root vegetables. This comforting soup often includes carrots, leeks, turnips, and onions, along with split peas or dried pulses for added texture and nutrition. The key ingredient, barley, thickens the broth and gives it a slightly creamy consistency.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Meat: Typically lamb neck or beef (often a bone-in cut) for rich flavor.
- Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, leeks, and onions.
- Grains: Barley, which adds thickness and texture.
- Pulses: Split peas or lentils, sometimes used for added depth.
