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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 2005 (SND, online supplement).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

EARIWIG, n., v. I. Sc. form of Eng. earwig (Ags., Edb., Arg., Ayr., Dmf. 2000s).wm.Sc. 1965 Alan Sharp A Green Tree in Gedde (1985) 97:
Every time you say the word it's like eariwigs crawling into their heads.Sc. 1996 Herald 28 Sep 9:
But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who likes their eight hours' sleep, doesn't enjoy The Great Outdoors (eariwigs and all), other people, boil-in-the-bag beef warmed up over a camp fire, or who has never run for the bus.Sc. 1998 Herald 1 Aug 20:
The good news is eariwigs feed on aphids and other tiny creatures that can be a problem in our gardens.

II. Sc. form of Eng. earwig, to eavesdrop (Ags., Arg., Gsw., Dmf. 2000s).Gsw. 1994 James Kelman How Late it Was How Late 26:
Once upon a time ye were feart to have a drink with him. This habit he had of eariwiggin other people's conversations; strangers! know what I'm talking about; if they were saying something he didnay like he jumped right in and telt them it was a load of shite.Sc. 2001 Herald 15 Aug 12:
From the CCTV that tracks you to your work, to the IT system operators who can spy on your e-mails in the office, to the shady security operatives who can eariwig on your every mobile phone conversation.Edb. 2002:
Stop eariwiggin behind that door!Sc. 2003 Sunday Herald 6 Apr 13:
I was going to eariwig on the interview but struck a deal with the News of the World whereby they bought me a pint of Stella Artois and I sat in the sun in a far corner of the beer garden.

II. Add Deriv.: earywigger, An eavesdropper (Ags., Arg. 2000s).m.Sc. 1992 Daily Record 18 Mar :
Being a journalist and a fully-qualified eary-wigger.