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: 1886-1947
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SLUD, n. Also sludd; slod (Jak.). [slʊd]
1. An interlude, lull, break, breathing-space, specif. (1) an interval between showers of rain (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 201, 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970).Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 239:
Dis is only a slud atween wadders.
(2) an interval during which something happens, an episode; an occasion, opportunity (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (23 April):
Hit wis wi' a sludd o' dis kind 'at ye kent what Magnie wis.Sh. 1927 Shetland Times (3 March):
Waitin' fur a slud ta tak it up.
(3) in reference to courtship: a lovers' meeting, a short period in one another's company.Sh. 1947 New Shetlander (Oct.) 12:
'Ir you haevin' a slud, boy!' as spoken to a lad going for a walk wi' a lass, or spaekin' wi' a lass, in a leisurely wye!
‡2. By extension of (3) above: a sweet-heart, lover, boy- or girl-friend, one's "date" (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970).Sh. 1886 J. Burgess Sketches 35:
Is doo gaain ta buy anything ta da slud?Sh. 1897 Shetland News (5 June):
What mak's doo o' Tammy o' da Lees? Isna he a slud o' dine, as da youngsters ca' it noo-a-days?
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"Slud n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/slud>
