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.
IRP, v., n. [ɪrp]
I. v. To be continually grumbling or complaining, to harp on (about something) (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Ork. 1958). Gen. with aboot, ipo, ower.Sh. 1892 Manson's Sh. Almanac:
What's da uis o irpin aboot a thing eens dat it's dune?
Ppl.adjs. irpin, grumbling, carping, irped, -id, spiteful, cantankerous (Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 152, Ork.2 1950).Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 11:
Mebbe if he wants me edder bi deth or bi life he'll tink apo' his vexin', irpin tongue dan.
II. n. A peevish, complaining person (Sh. 1958).
[Orig. doubtful. Phs. onomat. with influence from Hairp, v., to harp. Cf. Erp, Orp, Yirp.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Irp v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/irp>
