Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEREESHIN, Dereeshan, Dereesion, Dereshen, n. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. derision, which is also illustrated in these Sc. usages.

1. An object of ridicule; a ridiculous or foolish creature or thing (Sh.¹¹ 1949). Used as a term of contempt. In use in Eng. 16th–18th cent.Sh. 1906 T. P. Ollason Spindrift 44:
Is hit ony disgrace or wrang fir ta mak' da baest kirsen, doo boarn dereesion?Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Susdu whatn a derision av a bonnet Meggi is gotten on.Sh. 1924 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. III. 207:
I wonder what wid come o dis world if it wisna fur da weemen in it, to tak care an look efter an guide, yiss, an guide, dis dereeshans o men. [Vol. I. 68, dereesion; 130, dereeshin.]

¶2. A practical joke, a hoax.Ayr. 1822 Galt Provost xxx.:
We feared that the authors of the derision would be found out.