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: 1768, 1827, 1924
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DAFFERY, Daffry, n.
1. Merriment, fun; “romping” (Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems, Gl.). Known to Bnff.2, Fif.10 1939.Bnff. 1924 Burnie's Jeannie in Swatches 22:
We canna deny the young a bit daffery noo-an-than.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 124:
What would Luther think To see us as we sit and wink Amid sic daffery and drink.
†2. Folly, foolishness; “thoughtlessness” (Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems, Gl.).Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 85:
Wha in her daffry had run o'er the score.
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"Daffery n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/daffery>
