Lake or loch?

Question

I am used to seeing the expression "Loch Ness".

Are there any differences between "loch" and "lake"?

Could I say "lake Ness"?.

There lots of "Lochs" in Scotland. All of them are lakes. - ian-hill, Mar 2, 2010

jajajaja - Nicole-B, Mar 2, 2010

Answer 1

"Loch" is the Scottish Gaelic term from Old Irish for "Lake". "Loch Ness" is the only time that I've heard the word used in the US. I suppose that you could say Lake Ness but I don't think anyone would since the lake is in the Scottish Highlands and everyone is accustomed to hearing it called "Loch".

Answer 2

"Loch" is used only in Scotland.

–noun Scot.

1. a lake.

2. a partially landlocked or protected bay; a narrow arm of the sea.

(From Dictionary)

"Lake" is used everywhere else

Answer 3

"Loch" is commonly used in Scotland. There is Loch Lomond close to Glasgow, which is quite known but all lakes are called "Loch".

Answer 4

Loch means lake, but it can also refer to an "arm of the sea similar to a fjord".