Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FAIRLY, adv. Sc. usages:

1. Gently, quietly, softly. Rare. Obs. in Eng. since 17th cent. For phr. hooly and fairly, see Hooly.Abd. 1919 Abd. Univ. Review (June) 214:
Sleep, my dawtie, whush an' fairlie, Lillila-baloo.

2. Used absol. in emphatic affirmation, esp. in ne.Sc. = yes, indeed!, certainly, of course (Cai., Bnff., Abd., Ags., Ayr., Rxb. 2000s).Abd. 1909 G. Greig Mains's Wooin' 11:
Souter — Ye'll be on your wye to the Fair? Mains — O fairly.Abd. 1923 Banffshire Jnl. (27 March):
Hor. Mith't be's wye? Ham. Ay is't, fairly!Abd.²⁷ 1950:
“See an enjoy yoursels noo!” “Fairly.”Abd. 1993:
Wid ye like a scone? Aye, fairly.