Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LYOG, n. Also lyoag, ljoag, l(e)og, lyoig; loga. [ljo:g]

1. A Sh. taboo-name for the sea (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 136, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1961); the sea-bottom.Sh. 1881 Williamson MSS.:
He's slight i da lyoig, boys.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 120:
There were several names applied to the sea bottom, such as . . . the ljoag.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Gane i' or to de log = gone to the bottom, lost overboard.

2. A rivulet running through swampy ground, a small morass (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 136, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1961).Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 26:
We sall geng whaar da ljoag is greenest An follow da stripe ta da sea.Sh. 1948 New Shetlander (Jan.–Feb.) 10:
Da hills ta da noard an' aest o' Weisdaal ir full o' ljoags an shüns.

3. A strong tide-movement, a sea-swell (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), a shoreward surge with wind blowing from the sea (Mry.¹ 1928). Also loga.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He will be a loga de day.