Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

YIM, n.², v.² Also yem. [jɪm]

I. n. A thin film or coating on the surface of anything, a scum, a layer of dust, condensed vapour, or the like (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 213; Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.); a smudge, stain or streak of dirt on a surface.Abd. 1961:
A yim roun your neck. What a yim at claes hes at's hingin o' that tow!

II. v. To cover or become covered with a thin film, scum or froth (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 213). Vbl.n. yim(m)in, yemin, a superficial layer or coating (Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 200). Dim. yiminie.Abd. 1931 Abd. Press & Jnl. (30 Jan.):
Speaking of the lack of cream in the milk of one of her cows, a goodwife says, “It's jist a thin yim,” or a “yiminie.” “There wis a yimin o' ice on the water i' the mornin'.”Abd. 1955 People's Friend (15 Oct.):
When potatoes were frothy on top just before they came to the boil, Granny used to say they were “yimmin.”