Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1768-1792
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†HOBBY, n. Also hubbie. One who dressed in coarse or rustic clothing (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis s.v. cowhubyis); hence, “a dull, stupid, slovenly fellow” (Rxb. 1825 Jam., †1923 Watson W.-B., hubbie). Hence phr. to gae hobby, to behave in an awkward, rustic manner, and reduplic. comb. hobby-tobby, adj., having an awkward, slovenly appearance, used to describe “the tout-ensemble of an awkward, tawdry woman; as including not only dress, but personal appearance and manners” (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Abd. p.1768 A. Ross Works (S.T.S.) 200:
I'm far frae bidding you gae daft or light, But nae to goe mair hobby than ye might.Edb. 1792 “Juvenis Scoticus” Melpomene 51:
The norlin hobbies frisk like hares, For lowns to laugh.
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"Hobby n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hobby>
