Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1952-1994
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FORSMO, v., n. Also firsmoe (Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 49). [fər′smo:]
I. v. To affront, insult (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.). Ppl.adj. forsmo, taken aback, disappointed (Id.).
II. n. An affront, insult (Id.); “a sarcastic rejoinder, an innuendo implying unworthiness; a snub, rebuff; a disappointment, a disagreeable surprise” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh.10 1953).Sh.13 1952:
Dat wis him a forsmo I got dis mornin whin da minister cam an da hoose no trig.Sh. 1994 Laureen Johnson in James Robertson A Tongue in Yer Heid 167:
What a mercy it is when fock is telled da truth fae da start. I'm seen mair as wan gettin a braa forsmo fae da records.
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"Forsmo v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Jul 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/forsmo>
