Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HIMPS, v., n. Also hims (Jak.). [hɪmps]
I. v. To make a sudden jerky movement of the body, as an angry or deranged person, to shrug the shoulders with disdain or annoyance, to flounce (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.).
II. n. A sudden impulsive movement as in rage or contempt, a flounce, a fit of sulks (Ork. 1929 Marw.); a flurry (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Ork. 1931 Orcadian (7 May):
T'o i' da himps 'e gaed is waas an' pat da boona api da horse.
Hence himpy, adj., sulky, ill-humoured, offended (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Appar. ad. Norw. dial. himsa seg, to make wild gestures. See note to Himst and cf. Kims, Imse.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Himps v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 24 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/himps>
