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: 1793-1865
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SMIRL, v., n. Also smurl, smorrl. [′smɪr(ə)l]
I. v. To sneer, smile mockingly, show scorn and contempt (Lth., Cld. 1880 Jam.).
II. n. 1. A sneer, a mocking smile; a snigger, a sneering laugh (Lth., Cld. 1880 Jam.).Edb. 1865 in J. Thompson D. Stewart's College (1955) 30:
The old, well-known “smorrl” or scowl of the Hospital boys.
2. A trick, prank; a mischievous or ill-natured act, in phr. to play a smirl.s.Sc. 1793 T. Scott Poems 337:
He reaves his wife o' cash an' claes, Then takes leg-bale, an' aff he gaes, An' in some distant place, wi' ease Plays the same smirl.Rxb. 1825 Jam.:
I'll play him a smirl for that yet.
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"Smirl v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/smirl>
