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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 2005 (SND, online supplement).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BAD FIRE, n. Often to a child, Hell. Also bad fires.Gsw. 1972 Molly Weir Best Foot Forward (1974) 80:
I was sure the devil was lurking there, ready to pounce and take me away with him to the bad fire.
Gsw. 1985 Michael Munro The Patter 8:
Bad Fire, the Hell: 'If ye don't eat yer carrots ye'll go to the Bad Fire.'
Gsw. 1989:
Ye'll go tae the bad fires if ye tell lies.
Gsw. 1994 Scotsman 26 Mar 8:
Lambing is worse than the bad fire. As it approaches you will find hill shepherds cowering in the stalls, their coats drawn over their heads and their nails gnawed to the first joint.
Edb. 1994:
Ma mammy said Ah wid go tae the bad fire if Ah didnae eat ma mince.
Sc. 1999 Sunday Mail 27 Jun 20:
Even flicking through the lingerie section of the Kay's Catalogue will send you hurtling towards the bad fire.
Gsw. 2003 Daily Star 14 Mar 19:
So, instead of threatening weans with the Bad Fire, the bogeyman and a sackful of horse shite from Santa if they don't behave, ...
Sc. 2004 Daily Record 26 Mar 89:
There are some things you've got to do in life before you pop off to the pearly gates or the bad fire.

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"Bad Fire n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 29 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/snd00090301>

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