Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1852-1992
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KEEHOY, n., v. Also kee-hoi, key-, -how, ke-hoy. [m. and s.Sc. ki′hɔi, Abd. ki′hʌu]
I. n. The game of hide-and-seek, so named from the call used to summon the searchers (Abd. 1853 W. Cadenhead Flights 192, kee how; w.Sc. 1880 Jam. s.v. keerie-oam; Cai., Abd., Ags., Lth., Lnk., Ayr., Kcb., Dmf. 1959). Cf. Cahow, id.; a form of prisoner's base (Dmf. c.1908).Abd. 1852 A. Robb Poems 130:
Some to the buttons, bools, or ba', Kee how, or hy spy hy.Abd. 1882 W. Forsyth Writings 176:
A dissipated old fellow or two that you have known since you played kee-how in the Gallowgate lanes.Gsw. 1904 H. Foulis Erchie iii.:
A spoonfu' o' red-currant jeely, wi' a piece o' mutton the size o' a domino in't, if ye had time to find it, only ye're no' playin' kee-hoi.Dmb. 1927 J. Ferguson The Old Vale 130:
To play at “Key Hoi” with Mr Riddock's son in the Public Hall.Cai. 1955 Edb. John o' Groat Lit. Soc.:
Our hearts filled with joy, at “I spy” and “Key-hoy”.
II. v. To frolic, “to caper daftly” (Kcb. 1938–59).Arg. 1992:
Laughin an keehoyin.
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"Keehoy n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/keehoy>
