Show Search Results Show Browse

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PLAY-ACT, v. Also -ac(k) (Abd. 1877 G. Macdonald M. of Lossie xlvii., Abd. 1966). Gen.Sc. usage: to put up a show, act a part in life as distinct from on the stage, pose, posture, create an impression. Hence play-actin, -actorin, of persons: showy, ostentatious, self-advertising, theatrical; of things: tawdry, worthless, “flashy”. [ple′ɑk(t)]s.Sc. 1836 Wilson's Tales of the Borders III. 29:
Pittin sic daft-like notions intil a bairn's head as to read playactorin books an' novels.
Dmf. 1875 P. Ponder Kirkcumdoon 142:
Gettin' a vain play-actin' cretur to be oor minister.
Arg. 1901 N. Munro Doom Castle iv.:
Very well pleased at the chance your coming gave him of play-acting the man of war.
Bch. 1930:
Sang, ay, he wis a plaverin', playactorin' vratch, aye duncin an' diddlin aboot an' kickin up a dinsome gate.

You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.

"Play-act v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 28 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/playact>

20957

snd

Hide Advanced Search

Browse SND:

    Loading...

Share: