Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1773-1927
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SAUCY, adj. Sc. usages, now dial. in Eng.:
1. Vain, conceited (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Sh., Bnff., wm.Sc., Wgt., Rxb. 1969).Edb. 1773 Fergusson Poems (S.T.S.) II. 122:
Since Merlin laid Auld Reikie's causey, And made her o' his wark right saucy.Dmf. 1863 R. Quinn Heather Lintie 126:
Wi' feet, hands, waist, neck, hair an' facie O' whilk a princess might be saucy.
2. Disdainful, scornful, contemptuous (Rxb. 1923 Watson W. -B.). Also adv.; fastidious as to food or dress (Id.; wm., sm. and s.Sc. 1969).Ayr. 1786 Burns Twa Dogs 91:
They gang as saucy by poor folk.Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 117:
It's nae to ilka chiel she'll gi'e her niece, There's a few wad think her sic a saucy piece!Edb. 1821 W. Liddle Poems 64:
Coofs strut fine an' think their clever, Wi' saucy face.Per. 1899 C. M. Stuart Pitcoonans 70:
Dinna be saucy as though ye werena seeing Him there.Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 19:
A'll eet ochts, be hanged; A'm no saucy.
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"Saucy adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/saucy>
