text: what is the origin of the phrase 'getting off scot-free'?   contrary to what you may think, the term has nothing to do with the stereotypical frugal scotsman. actually, a "scot" or "sceot" was a municipal tax in 12th century england, and someone who went "scot-free" was one who succeeded in dodging that tax. scot also came to mean the amount owed for entertainment in a tavern, including drinks. if you got a free drink, you drank "scot-free".