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.
Quotation dates: 1828, 1891-1920
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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 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/criffins>
