Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1879-1952
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FURLI(E)-, -Y-, prefix. In various fanciful combs., as -fa, -gee, -gig(gy), -gorum, -gum, -majigger; forligig; furliemajig, with the general notion of something fantastic, garishly ornamental, intricate or trifling.
1. A whirligig (Abd.7 1925, -gum, Abd. 1931, -gorum, -majigger). Also fig. of a frivolous girl (Abd. 1900 E.D.D.).Abd. a.1880 W. Robbie Yonderton xxxiii.:
Like a roon pailin' post, wi' a forligig o' the tap o't.Abd. 1881 W. Paul Past & Present 128:
Dance to your daeddy, my bonnie lamb, An' ye'll get a fishy in a little dishy, An' a furly-giggy, an' a souple Tam.
2. A gew-gaw, a showy ornament of little value (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 56, -fa, Abd.4 1931, -gorum, Abd.27 1953, -majigger).Abd.15 1928:
She hid as monie queer furlie-fas in her hat.Abd. 1952 Ballads (Gsw. Ball. Club) V. 53:
Sax furligorums o' caun'le-sticks An' twa fancy scallopit trays.
3. A trifling excuse (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 56, -fa). Also as a v., to make a fuss, many trifling excuses before doing anything (Ib.).
4. A piece of machinery, a mechanical contrivance, esp. one that revolves or has wheels (Abd.27 1953, -majigger; Abd. 1990s, furliemajig).ne.Sc. 1921 Swatches o' Hamespun 13:
Tae sit listenin' tae the furligee [gramophone].Abd.15 1928:
Is that thingie for ca'in the furlie-fa?
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"Furli- prefix". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/furlie>
