Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1899-1956
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NIRP, n., v. Also njirp. [n(j)ɪrp]
I. n. A miser (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
II. v. 1. To pinch, cut short, to withhold in a miserly fashion (Ib., Sh. 1964). Ppl.adj. nirpid, n(j)irpet, pinched, abbreviated; miserly, stingy (Ib.).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (7 Jan.):
I ken hit widna a been wi' his will 'at's lyin' yonder 'at ony thing sood be nirpid.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A nirpet body or craeter.
2. To find fault, nag (Ork. 1934). Ppl.adj. nirpid, -ed, cross-grained, cantankerous (Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh., Ork. 1964).Ork. 1956 C. M. Costie Benjie's Bodle 186:
I t'owt: "Weel, thoo are a nirpid t'ing whitever," bit I tried tae gae her a ceevil answer.
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"Nirp n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 4 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/nirp>
