Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1790, 1844-1873
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†GANDY, v., n. Also gan(n)ie, gawny, gannyie.
I. v. To talk in a blustering, boastful or pert fashion (Bnff. 1808 Jam., ganie; Abd. 1825 Ib., gandy; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 58, gannyie). With upon: to boast about (Abd.14 c.1915, gannie). Hence gandier, a vain, boastful person (Jam.2).Bnff. 1844 T. Anderson Poems 55:
The publican bodies, . . . . . . bargain'd wi' Sawney, Wha stoutly did gawny, That the cauld water crones He could vanquish them a'.Sc.(E) 1868 D. M. Ogilvy Willie Wabster 18–19:
The goff was weel waird o' the taws . . . Gloit! gandier! gillie gapus! gull!Bnff. 1873 in Ellis E.E.P. V. 692:
It's a weak feel at gannyies wantin reason.
II. n. 1. Pert, foolish talk (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 58); a brag, boast (Abd. 1880 Jam.).
2. A bragging, boastful person; “a pert talker” (Gregor).Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems 176:
Singet Sandy, yon randy, his brandy, poor gandy, The brave Hannibal always went through.
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"Gandy v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gandy>
