Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1900-1949
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FILSKA, n. Also fijlska (Jak.). Wild, flighty behaviour, silly or obstreperous fun, tomfoolery (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; ‡Sh.11 1951). Hence ppl.adj. filskit, filsket, fijlsket, frisky, lively, foolishly hilarious (Id.). [′fɪlskɑ, -ət]Sh. 1900 Shet. News (24 March):
I never kent da laek o' dee i' my life man, doo myht a been laevin dy filska be dis time.Sh. 1906 T. P. Ollason Spindrift 134:
Keety in one of her filskit fits stopped abruptly on the second step from the top, and turned on Mally with a tragic air.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 14. 10:
I widna geng oot wi yun graet filskit cratur agen.
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"Filska n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/filska>
