Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1766-1787, 1901-1922
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BADLY, adj. Mostly used of health, meaning ill, in a state or condition of ill health, ailing. Gen.Sc.; sometimes used for the preliminary symptoms of ill health, Wgt. (A.W. in E.D.D.). Common in provincial Eng.Sc. 1766 Faculty Decisions IV. 81:
As I am taken badly, and know not but it may be death.Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scoticisms 15:
I have been badly for some time — Ill, sickly, in bad health, valetudinary. [Also given by Mitchell Scotticisms (1799) 22.]Gsw. 1922 J. J. Bell The Pie in the Oven (Repertory Plays) 20–21:
John. Weel, what was the question aboot, Maister Duff? Peter. Aw, aboot — aboot that coo o' yours that was badly.Gall.(D) 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 7:
Anither doctor had set up again him the time he wus badly.e.Dmf.2 1917:
Ill is little used of health, its place being taken by badly.
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"Badly adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/badly>
