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: 1806-1807, 1920-1930
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DRAFFIE, Draffy, adj.
†1. Full of draff or dregs, of inferior quality.Abd. a.1807 J. Skinner Amusements (1809) 68:
Wine's the true inspiring liquor, Draffy drink may please the Vicar.
2. Fig. of persons: stiff or flabby, unable to walk or run easily (Cai. 1911 D.D. in John o' Groat Jnl. (24 Feb.); Cai.9 1949; Mry.1 1916; Ags.2 1940; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); feeble; slow, easy-going (Mry.1 1925). Also used in Eng. dial. (Lakel.) in sense of exhausted.Cai.1 c.1920:
He looked gey draffie lek.Cai. 1930 Caithness Forum in John o' Groat Jnl. (4 July):
Sandy — There's gaun' til' be a obstacle race at 'e Reay Show. Fat might ye thocht o' tryin' 'id? Tam — Ochanee, na, na; A'm gettin' ower draffie.
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"Draffie adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/draffie>
