Gàidhlig / English
Corra-Biodh

Corra-Biodh

Posted by Abi on 2nd July 2015

Around 1975 a list of words was collected in Scalpay, Harris, of different ways of sitting, standing and lying down. It is from this list that this week’s word comes, corra-biodh [tiptoes] or air a chorra-bid [on tiptoes].

The word corra-biodh is listed in Dwelly’s dictionary with many various definitions:

‘-a, sm Certain posture of standing or cowering, which prepares the person assuming it for an instant start or spring. 2 (with air — air corra-biod) Tiptoe. 3 Watchfulness. 4 Impatience. 5 Niceness, fastidiousness. 6 Anxiety to find fault. 7†† gives corra-bioda].’

The word corra bhùthag [tiptoes] was collected in Garrynamonie, South Uist, and it is spelt cor a bhiodh an Lochaber. Bonnan-cnàmh was collected in Lower Barvas on the Isle of Lewis and explained as:

'“Bha e na sheasamh air a’ bhonnan-cnàmh.” Note: he was standing on his heels as opposed to “air a’ chorra-biod” – on tiptoe.’

On the list which comes from Scalpay, there is also coiseachd spàgaire [a splay-footed walk], coiseachd slaodach [a drawling walk], coiseachd aotram [light walk] and a’ coiseachd cho stopach [straight and perpendicular (army fashion)].

Do you know any interesting words for walking on tiptoe or any other different walks? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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