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.
Quotation dates: 1912-1957
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KUSSI, n. Also kussie, cussie, kossi; kuttsie, cutsy, kotsa, -i (Jak.), koots, kutch. [′kusi, ′kuts(i), ′kɔ(t)si]
1. A pet- and call-name for a calf, heifer or cow (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., cutsy, 1902 E.D.D., kussie, 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Cai. 1960). Hypocoristic dim. kussack, a call-name for a calf (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Also attrib.Sh. 1912 Old-Lore Misc. V. ii. 52:
In the island of Whalsay, Shetland, one always calls one's cow thus: "Kussie! Kussie!"Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 196:
All cows are affectionately called "Kuttsies."Sh. 1957 Sh. Folk Bk. III. 63:
Cussie coo lat doon dy milk.
2. A call-name for a pig (Ork. 1929 Marw., koots, kutch; Cai. 1960).
3. Fig. A stupid fellow (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1960).Sh. 1951 Sh. Folk Bk. II. 65:
Du's a wise kussi (You are stupid).
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"Kussi n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/kussi>
