Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CRIFFINS, CRIFTENS, Crifty, int. An expression of astonishment. Known to Bnff.2, Gsw.1, Kcb.10 1941 in form criffins. [′krɪf(t)ənz, ′krɪftɪ̢]Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1839) xix.:
“Eh, crifty!” cried Benjie, coming till his speech, “they're a' aff — — cock and hens and a'.”Ayr. 1891 H. Johnston Kilmallie v.:
Great Criftens! . . . I bought that beast four year syne for five pounds.w.Dmf. 1920 J. L. Waugh Heroes in Hamespun (1921) 103:
Criffins! is that the shop-door bell?
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"Criffins interj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 25 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/criffins>
