Dundee sayings
I wonder if anyone knows the derivation of the sayings below which were often used by my Mother (1899 - 1993, shown in the small photo, playing the accordian). I have included meanings where known.
| 'Fur th' luv o' Goad an' twa boabies' | A mild blaspheme, literally meaning 'For the love of God and two policemen' |
| 'A bunch o' raivelled thrupp'nies' | If something is all creased, like unironed clothes |
| 'IThe butter is all kirned up' | It's all messed up with a knife' |
| 'In the name o' some big hoose' | Expression of shock/surprise/disgust? |
| 'Wid ye like a piece 'n' dup?' | To dip a slice of bread in the stew/mince pot |
| 'I'm affie trachled' | I'm awfully over-burdened (e.g. carrying too much shopping) |
| 'Rattlin' doon' | Coming apart (e.g. knitting) |
| 'Going for a titter' | Going for a drive in Marlene's car |
| 'Yer lookin' affy peely-wally th' day' | You are looking pale/ill today |
| 'Whar's mi baffies?' | Where are my slippers? |
| 'Can I hae a half loaf please?' | Can I have a loaf of plain bread please? (Derives from being half the weight of the original loaf) |
| ''Yer e'e's bigger than yer belly' | Your eyes want more food but your stomach does not and you cannot finnish it |
| ''Ye canna see green cheese'- | If you see someone with something good, you have to have it too |
| 'Ben the hoose' | In the next room in the house |
| 'Flehg' | Fright |
| 'Schnachters' | Fancy cakes |
| 'Fly-cup' | Afternoon cuppa and a biscuit |
| 'Horny gollach' | Earwig |
| 'Forky' | Earwig |
| 'Sweet sevile' | Orange boxes used as furniture in the early twentieth century |
| 'Clorty' | Very dirty |
| 'Cum awa fae there ye wee bisom!' | Come away from there you little devil! |
| 'Awa 'n' shuffle' | Away you go |
| 'The loaby press' | The hall cupboard |
I'm sure that there are many more of Mother's - or general Dundee - sayings not mentioned above. If anyone recalls any and would like them added with their meaning, please get in touch!