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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.

MARYHILL MAGYARS, prop.n. pl. Nickname for Partick Thistle Football Team.Sc. 1992 Independent 11 Oct 24:
Can it be true that Partick Thistle were once known as the Maryhill Magyars during the heyday of Ferenc Puskas and the Hungarian national side, and if so by whom were they so christened?
—Of course it's true. The alliterative appellation is generally credited to one Malcolm Munro, a rotund Glasgow journalist who rejoiced in the description ''the heavyweight champion of the fans''. He was, of course, a Partick Thistle supporter.Gsw. 1994 Herald 10 Oct 7 sport:
Of course, the Maryhill Magyars [Partick Thistle] have always been fighters, made of stern stuff ...Sc. 1997 Daily Record 10 Nov 6:
Anyone who wants an alternative to Rangers or Celtic can be guaranteed an interesting experience if they follow Thistle.
A lot of the colour of Scottish football would disappear along with the Jags if the worst was to happen.
I hope and pray they rise again. So many people have a soft spot for them.
My fingers are crossed for the Maryhill Magyars.Sc. 2000 Herald 13 Oct 21:
He was also chuffed that his timetable on that visit left time for a visit to Firhill. It had been about 50 years since he had seen Partick Thistle. In a re-enactment of his youthful visits to the shrine of the Maryhill Magyars, Jeremy walked all the way up Maryhill Road. He even paused to buy a poke of chips.Sc. 2002 Edinburgh Evening News 18 Oct 52:
Matyus admitted he knows little about Partick despite their nickname of the 'Maryhill Magyars' ... Sc. 2004 Scotland on Sunday 20 Jun 9:
Up to now, however, it has been one-way traffic in favour of the Maryhill Magyars, not something you could often say about Partick's performances in recent seasons.