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.
ILL-JAW, n., v. Also ull- (Abd.).
I. n. Coarse, abusive language, insolence (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 279; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 88; Sh., n.Sc., Kcb. 1958), an abusive tongue.Abd. 1809 Session Papers, Saltoun v. Bannerman (22 May) App. 14:
She giving him ill jaw, and he ordering her to be silent.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxxi.:
Mr O'Grady's tongue wasna idle. It never was in his pouch when there was ill-jaw a-gaen.
II. v. tr. To give (someone) insolence, to revile, abuse (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 88; Mry.2 1940).
[Ill, adj. + jaw, talk, “cheek”.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Ill-jaw n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/illjaw>
