Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1800-1824, 1877-1928
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‡BLASTIE, n. "A shrivelled dwarf, an ill-tempered or unmanageable child or animal, a term of contempt" (Bnff.2, Gsw.2 1934).Ayr. publ. 1800 Burns Inventory (Cent. ed.) II. 22–23:
The fourth's a Highland Donald hastie, A damn'd red-wud Kilburnie blastie!Ayr.4 1928 Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 74:
Blastie. Any ill-disposed youth. [Small and very evil-favoured. Curriehill.]Kcb. 1894 S. R. Crockett Raiders vii.:
Yae word, ye crawlin' blastie, an' I'll let the life oot o' ye!Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Sketches, etc. of Wgt. 386:
A burly tradesman came up to the worthy Bailie, and seizing him by his coat collar, gave him a shake, saying "Awa' hame oot o this, ya blastie, or ee'll be trampit tae death."
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"Blastie n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 8 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/blastie>
