Scottish World Cup fans in Boston are making it a point to have their picture taken in front of Jobi Liquors because the word means “poop” in Scottish and they think it’s hilarious.
Here’s some Tartan toilet humor.
Ever since Scottish World Cup fans arrived in Boston, they’ve been working their way through the city’s bars, breweries and liquor stores with the determination of a winning team.
One liquor store in particular has become an unlikely tourist attraction: Jobi Liquors.
Because the name is, quite literally, a joke.
To Scottish ears, “jobby” is slang for “poop,” turning an otherwise ordinary neighborhood liquor store into their idea of America’s funniest sign.
As a result, kilt-clad members of the Tartan Army have been flocking to the store to giggle uncontrollably and collect what is, for them, the ultimate Boston souvenir: a photograph in front of a giant poop joke.
The phenomenon has become such a talking point that a reporter for Glasgow’s Daily Record visited the store and declared it “the topic of much hilarity with the Scots ” at the beginning of a video posted to the Scottish tabloid’s Facebook page, which has collected more than 1 million views.
Store owner Jimmy Ryan had no idea why groups of laughing Scots kept appearing outside his business.
At first.
“It’s been crazy,” Ryan, 65, said in the video. “Boston is loving the Scottish fans. Bring them back. We’ve had thousands. Every day, there’s groups, and at night, they’re in here lifting up their kilts.
“They’re having a good old time.”
Ryan eventually learned that what he thought was a perfectly respectable family business name translates, in Scottish slang, into something much less dignified.
The truth behind Jobi is actually wholesome.
“My mum’s name is Joan, my father’s name is Billy, J-O-B-I,” Ryan explained.
Unfortunately, that explanation doesn’t hold a candle against Scottish toilet humor.
Ever Since the Tartan Army — estimated at roughly 50,000 fans — landed in Boston for the World Cup, they’ve been charming locals with nonstop singing, bagpipes, cheerful mayhem and a thirst that’s kept bartenders busy day and night.
Now they’ve discovered one of Boston’s liquor stores accidentally shares a name with a bodily function.
For the good-time-loving Scots, that’s the sort of joke that never gets old — or flushed away.
As for Ryan, he’s happy to embrace his unexpected fame.
“Screw the British,” said Jimmy. “The Scottish are coming!”
