Show Search Results Show Browse

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SLIPPER, adj., n. [′slɪpər]

I. adj. Slippery, smooth, difficult to stand on. Obs. in Eng. exc. dial. Hence slipperness, n., smoothness, slipperiness. Obs. in Eng. in 17th c.Edb. 1776 Caled. Mercury (10 Jan.):
To strow ashes before the door, in order to prevent accidents from the slipperness of the streets.

II. n. A slippery state or condition; that which causes slipperiness, ice, slush, etc. (Bnff., Abd. 1970). Also attrib.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 167:
Thir's a haip o' slipper o' the roads.
Abd. 1928 N. Shepherd Quarry Wood xvi.:
“Oh, it's nothing,” he answered in haste. “A fall on the ice.” “Ay, ay it'll be a terrible slipper,” Geordie answered.
Bnff. 1930:
Sic a clyte ma father got on the slipper fan he gaed oot tae 'is wark in the mornin'.
Kcd. 1934 L. G. Gibbon Grey Granite 9:
Here the slipper-side of the pavement took a turn that she knew.

[O.Sc. slipper, slippery, 1567, O.E. slipor, slippery.]

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

"Slipper adj., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 29 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/slipper>

24499

snd

Hide Advanced Search

Browse SND:

    Loading...

Share: