Measgaichte / Miscellaneous

Informant(s)
Name
D.R. Morrison ( D.R. Moireasdan )
Age
[55]
Location
Harris, Scalpay
Date
1975
Notes
  • [NOTES: some of the words have been slipped and therefore, apart from the definitions provided by Mr Morrison, the definitions as they appear on the slips have also been included (unless the two were the same).]
prisgeadhjerking.
briosgadhjerking.
spaglaichmovement of limbs.
mousgaideachmodest. Duine neo boireannach mousgaideach.
magach(adj.) sneering. (also)
magadh(v.) sneering, scoffing.
cabach(also) tell-tale person. [SLIP: A tell-tale.]
iris-shùgainstrap or rope made of straw.
sùgantwisted straw-rope, or twisted straw.
ramalairrambler.
clochranaichgurgle in the throat, or wheezing in the throat.
gràgalaspersuasion. B’ ann le gràgalas a thug mi air a dhol ann.
luathaireachearly crop. Buntàta luathaireach – early potatoes. (Scalpay)
bruaglittle belly, as of a child. [SLIP: Little belly (eg. of child).]
bristidheanbreaks, as in the clouds, and heavy seas. [NOTES: the slip has ‘bristidhean (plural)’. Definition: Breaks in the clouds and heavy seas.]
baltagfat. Nach ann air tha bhaltag. [NOTES: the slip has ‘baltag (fem)’. Definition: Nach ann air tha ’bhaltag. Definition: Fat (noun).]
dol-a-dholaidhgoing waste.
piclepickle. (Scalpay)
gaoitheangiddy fellow.
labadhbenumbed. Tha e air labadh leis an fhuachd. [SLIP: Numb with cold.]
peirmyeast.
róghadhwarning; spelt colloquially. Thug mi róghadh dha. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…dhà’. Definition: Warning.]
bainne-deasgainnrennet.
bàrr-staimhtangle, broad bladed tangle, nearest part to the surface showing.
bàrr-roctangle, broad bladed tangle, nearest part to the surface showing. (already referred to [see bàrr-staimh]) Perhaps sometimes pronounced without the accent.
cealan end. Chuir e ceal air. Perhaps alternative in this case is crioch.
clàragfishing frame for winding a fishing line on.
stalartweighing balances, spring weighing. (Spelt as pronounced in Scalpay.) [SLIP: A spring balance for weighing.]
smàigeilobedience. Nach i tha smàigeil air. Perhaps from smachd.
riasglimpet bait for rock fishing.
friasg[See riasg.]
slaopadhputting boiling water on limpets, loosening their contents from their shells and leaving it appropriate for insertion on the hook.
slaitseagadhthrowing about in an any old way fashion items or move about work by throwing things all over the place. [SLIP: To throw things about in haphazard fashion.]
ball-oibrichswing.
buntàta-pronnmashed potatoes.
pis-eù-is-ù(interjection) for calling a kitten or cat.
faisgwring.
tràladhtrawling.
tràlairtrawler boat.
geòlayawl.
raft. Rà feamainn – a collection of seaweed tied together or kept together by a fishing net in the sea.
slabhaireachdslaving.
stòbhaigheadhstoving. [sic]
ramadhramming.
ramaigeadhramming.
rabailuntidy person.
rabaireuntidy person.
rabaireachduntidy work.
reangaildelay. (Scalpay) Dé ’n reangail th’air.
cho-ri-eiginof some sort.
cuilmfeast.
cuirmfeast.
slabannoise as of wet cloth when struck against a stone. Slaban aige.
snaigideireachdsneaking performance.
riagadhfrying.
sgòthachcloudy.
sgimileidsharp, or a female of a sharp penetrating speech.
craiceann-tarsainnhard skin. [NOTES: slipped under ‘craicionn’ with ‘craicionn tarsuinn’ as the quotation.]
siutairunstable female.
cnàmhanlittle portion. Tha cnàmhan ann.
clistearbig person, big male. Tha clistear ann dhe. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…dheth’. Definition: Big man.]
sturaichdsullenness, stoor.
fracasfragments.
bragadhboasting, bragging.
sichdcheek. [SLIP: Cheek (i.e. arrogance.)
pacaigeadhpacking.
pealasdaireachdpeddling.
praoighteadhput together in a temporary fashion. (Perhaps I have noted formerly.) [NOTES: the earlier mention was spelt ‘praoidhteadh’.]
dreasaigeadhdressing.
tómhadhsiding. Cha’n eil i tómhadh ris. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘Chan eil i ‘tòmhadh ris.’ Definition: To side (with someone).]
cnagagstrong, sturdy female.
seangheirchildhood as in the [old?] age as they seem to go back to childhood.
tàlainteperson having all his faculties.
creagnachsomething causing pain. Tha ’n t-alt ri taobh a chinn creagnach. [SLIP: Causing pain.]
smigchin.
cunglachstrait. [SLIP: A strait.]
inntrinnentered. [SLIP: To enter.]
dogantaalso rough, thick.
chuthachmadness. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cuthach (fem)’ with ‘a’ chuthach’ as the quotation.]
frogailneat and quite lively. Tha e gu math frogail fhathasd dha aois.
robachnasty, foul. Tha latha robach ann.
sgiaptake apart.
seideadhoverdose, overeating. Air seideadh air.
spreotagsplinter.
suganjug; was also used as an interj. in calling a milking cow for to arouse the cow’s interest for to give her milk at milking time, perhaps.
ì’stell. (Pronounced ìs: Scalpay.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘innis’ with ‘ì’s’ as the quotation. Definition: Scalpay pronunciation; also ‘innis’.]
innistell. [See ì’s.]
suidseachforce. Tha suidseach mhath air a ghaoith. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…air a’ ghaoith.’]
sgaoidhleagpunch. Thug mi sgaoidhleag mu’n t-sròin dha.
cuir-a-machvomiting. [NOTES:  slipped under ‘cuir’ with ‘cuir a mach’ as the quotation. Definition: To vomit.]
togail-rithepreparing to go. [NOTES: Slipped under ‘tog’ and ‘ri’ with ‘togail rithe’ as the quotation.]
itheadh-an-t-sùlairegluttonous eating, down the gullet in a jiffy. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ith’ and under ‘sùlair’ with ‘itheadh an t-sùlaire’ as the quotation. Definition: Gluttonous eating.]
cruinn-leumneat, complete, etc. Gheàrr e cruinn-leum ás. (Scalpay)
imlich-a-chorraganbest part, an interesting portion, etc.
gobachadha plant beginning to break through the soil.
copaigeadhcopying. [SLIP: To copy.]
bochdagpoor wee female. Bogha-bochdaig. (Harris)
ùr nodhabrand new.
crémeaslong-faced (person), face features of a surly impression.
créamasachadj. long-faced personal appearance. [SLIP: Long-faced expression on face. (adj.)]
creamasachlong-faced or surly looking person (male). [SLIP: Surly looking man.]
scrùbairesgrouncher [sic] [scrounger?].
greim-mórappendicitis. [NOTES: the slip has ‘gréim mór’.]
greim-mionnaichappendicitis.
seiblissoap water, suds. Colloquially spelt in Scalpay – seiplis.
seiplis[See seiblis.]
burn-siabainnsoap water, suds.[NOTES: slipped under ‘bùrn-siabainn’. Definition: Soap water suds.]
burn-is-siabannsoap water, suds. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bùrn-is-siabann’. Definition: Soap water suds.]
fearsaiddistaff, spindle for twisting wool, operated by hand. (Scalpay)
draoidhsteadhdrab(b)ish appearance. Nach i tha draoidhsteadh – referring to a female or è (male). (Scalpay)
bial-sgiaptaletter-box mouth.
braclaichold version, boat, or an old version of a boat.
brachdlaich[See braclaich.] [SLIP: An old boat.]
spiodeanachprominently in a spire form of erection. [SLIP: Stiff – adj. of ‘spiodean’ qv.]
spiodeanstatue like frame of a person, not fragile, stiff, immovable.
dèicdeck of a boat.
steàrnachheavy blow.
stàrnach[See steàrnach.]
stàrsachgood quantity.
sgàrsach[See stàrsach.]
gu-leòirgalore, plenty, Whisky Galore.
cumail-risstanding up to. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ri’ and ‘cum ris’ with ‘cumail ris’ as the quotation. Definition: To stand up to.]
cumail-shuaskeeping up. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cum suas [sic]’ with ‘cumail shuas’ as the quotation. Definition: To keep up.]
air-a-druime-direachon even keel. [NOTES: slipped under ‘druim’ with ‘air a’ druime dìreach’ as the quotation. Definition: On an even keel.]
góblaidgoblet.
preis-bheag-nan-trì-chasaniron pot with three legs.
còmhdach-cinnheadgear.
thog e chreachgiving a shout towards the announcement of a calamity. [NOTES: slipped under ‘creach’ with ‘Thog e ’chreach’ as the quotation. Definition: Giving a shout before announcing some sort of calamity.]
mullach-na-leisgethe very pith [sic] of laziness. [NOTES: slipped under ‘mullach’ with ‘mullach na leisge’ as the quotation. Definition: The very epitome of laziness.]
gothailgasping.
smeirseamsmear. Cha robh e leigeal smeirseam leis. (Scalpay)
spioglachadhtrimming. Dha spioglachadh fhéin, a chuid aodaich.
cialag(interj.) word of endearment or term of endearment. A chialag bheag – in reference to a kitten, etc. [SLIP: Term of endearment – e.g. to a kitten etc.]
biastbeast, finding a person saying anything of a strong report, or a strong word of swearing he is acknowledged or rebuked by Isd a bhiast! (Scalpay) [SLIP: A rebuke said to someone cursing.]
isdbe silent.
treiseagwee while. Treiseag bheag. (Scalpay)
blocaiddunce.
geatadhbutting.
plugadhplugging.
gribeangrabber. Gribean beag.
cuàlachhandful. Thàinig e ’s cuàllach [sic] aige.
sgalartaichshouting.
dripeidwee drop.
dudanparticle. Cha do rinn e ach dudan beag a chuir air a cheann aige. [NOTES: the slip has ‘...air a’ cheann aige’.]
cluais-a-linneye of the net, literally, the ear of the net, loop of the net. The ‘top rope’ as already noted, baca, with spliced loops on either end to which the other looped nets, likewise, are tied. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cluais’ with ‘cluais a’ linn’ as the quotation. Definition: The loops on the ends of the ‘top ropes’ (baca).]
cluais-na-basgaitthe handle of the basket.
strang-bhiathaidhthe string in which bait is set in a lobster creel.
boinne-snithedrop of soot water falling from the rafter of a ‘black house’.
clipearsaich(also) clipping. Bha e clipearsaich rithe. [NOTES: the slip has a note: ‘Pron: /kli/’.]
cliepersich[See clipearsaich.] (Both words spelt colloquially.)
trochdwreck; applied personally. ’S e trochd a th’ann dhe – careless living, couldn’t care less sort of life. [NOTES: the slip has ‘… a th’ann dheth’. Definition: Wreck – after leading a couldn’t-care-less sort of life.]
spatòdandy, well dressed. I used to hear this word from an old lady, now deceased. She used to say: Nach bu tu ’n spatò ’n diugh, abair spatò! [SLIP: Dandy; a well-dressed person. (rare now)]
splatsaira person going about throwing everything all over the place. Perhaps from splashing. [SLIP: A person who throws things about.]
spaglaigeadhshowy, acting, exhibiting bodily gestures, or exhibiting gestures.
mùrachdigging. Nach e a rinn a mùrach. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…rinn am mùrach’.]
mairsinlasting. Cha ’eil e mairsin. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘chan eil e ’marsin.’]
miadhstamischief.
fidheadh-ball-is-coraina weaver’s pattern, tweed pattern.
fitheadh-sùil eòina weaver’s pattern, tweed pattern.
fitheadh-cnaimh-a-sgadainweaver’s pattern, design of or on a tweed pattern.
fidheadh-nam-ballweaver’s pattern, design of or on a tweed pattern.
sùileaganan eye opener. Bheir sud sùileagan dha. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…dhà’.]
làmhaga little hand. Làmhag an dràsda ’s a rithisd. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…a rithist’.]
lùiginnI would wish, desire. [NOTES: slipped under ‘lùig’ with ‘lùiginn’ as the quotation.]
labaisdeachadhweather beaten.
liosadhthreading. A’ liosadh nan lion, nan lion sgadanach.
lion-sgadanachherring net.
lion-bhreacsplash net.
mheanachaginjection. A bheil a mheanachag ort. [NOTES: slipped under ‘meanachag’. Quotation: A bheil a’ mheanachag ort ?]
plugboil. Tha na plugs air mo làmhan. – Common with fishermen.
paràbhaigeadhparading.
siochladha break, a lull, sooth [sic].
slupachsucking noise of liquid, mixing in slush, slushing. [SLIP: Sucking noise made by liquid or slushy material.]
slupadaichmovement in mire. [SLIP: Sloshing about in a mire or mucky material.]
giblishgabble.
treasachantrestles for staging used in building.
strapanstrappings. [NOTES: slipped under ‘strapan (pl)’. Definition: Strappings (in building).]
stacastack.
tiùradhheaping up.
ceipealchapel, burying place.
tobhta-a-chrainna thick plank of wood from either side of a gunwale of a boat behind the mast.
leabaidh-na-tuimethe bilge of a boat.
crann-deiridhmizzen mast. (boat)
crann-toisichmain mast. (boat)
bloc-mórmain block. (boat)
bloc-beòilgunwale block.
sgroblaigeadhscribble, scribbling.
gomadaichvomit convulsions. [SLIP: Convulsing vomiting.]
cùbagcrounching [sic] female. [SLIP: crouching female.]
seòcailplumage effect. Boineid àrd le itean cho seòcail air a ceann – old time headgear. [SLIP: Plumage effect on old-fashioned headgear.]
spàraigeadhsparring.
sprodanachadhpoking. A’ sprodanachadh an teine.
bòcaireadh[?] poking. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bòcaireadh’. The spelling in the word-list is unclear. It seems to be ‘bòcaireacdh’.]
tòllahold. Fuaim-an-tolla – Scalpay place-name, colloquial spelling.
toll’-a’-bhàtahold of a boat.
sgeir-nicDhuinnplace-name, name of a sea rock at Scalpay (MacQueen’s rock). (I have given an example of place-names at Scalpay, hereon, to show how words came to be applied likewise, which is attributable generally, and perhaps could point to some findings that could lead us to understand the variety of ways words were used.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgeir’ with ‘Sgeir Nic Dhuinn’ as the quotation. Definition: MacQueen’s Rock (Scalpay).]
sgeirean-nodhanew rocks.
nuadh-bhreithnew birth.
sgeir-reamhar‘fat rock’?; place-name, a sea rock at Scalpay.
bogh’-an-t-salachairpermanent underwater (or ‘submarine’) rock, its name signifying reef seaweed, etc. at its proximity.
broineagana miscellany of material, a collection of a variety of haberdashery of a light quality, etc. [NOTES: slipped under ‘broineagan (plural)’. Definition: A collection of light drapery materials.]
gurramailcomplaining.
corraghulgurgling, could be termed to the gurgling of a stream or the gurgling in the throat. [NOTES: slipped under ‘corra ghul’. Definition: Gurgling (of stream or throat).]
curaistestamina. Nach ann aice tha churaiste. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip has ‘…a’ churaiste’.]
canastaircanister.
ceann-grobaidhdish from the liver of fish, fish paddies or pudding made with oatmeal mixed with liver and salt, etc. Creann-grobaidh in Scalpay. [SLIP: Dish made of fish liver mixed with oatmeal etc.]
ceann-àrcaempty-headed.
ceann-toisichbeginning, ahead. Tha ’n ceann toisich aig air a uile fear dhuibh [sic]. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann-tòisich’. Quotation: Tha ’n ceann-tòisich aig’ air a h-uile fear dhiubh. Definition: Ahead.]
ceann-marabuoy marker, marker on the surface of the sea, as in the case of long-lines or small lines set in the sea for fishing, the ends of the set of lines are kept indicated on the surface by a ‘ceann-mara’, also serving their original [?] purpose as floats tied to the line on the surface, the other fastened to the fishing line or lines at the bottom of the sea.
sliabhmoorland grass. Canach an t-sléibh.
sliagslide. Bha e sliagadh.
sliagadhsliding.
clamhadh(also) retorted as a person. Thug e clamhadh thuige. Thug Dòmhnall clamhadh thuige. – humanly speaking.
cnotbow tie.
cnotagwooden clisp. Cuir a’ chnotag air an doruis. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…air an dorus’. Definition: Wooden clasp.]
slaoigthair slide.
ceum-coisefootstep.
ceumstep. Thug e ’n ceum.
mulcaire(also) but I am not sure of this one also as the name of a sea-bird but I faintly think there is a sea-bird of this name, it may not be among those already listed bird species. [SLIP: Some sort of seabird.]
mulcaire(also) a rude angry (of little consideration towards his fellow men, etc.) person. Perhaps the same ‘symptoms’ could be noticeable towards a bird, for the name to be adopted. [SLIP: A person who is rude and generally inconsiderate towards his fellow human beings.]
gille-na-bunaichson of disgust.
gille-na-buinich[See gille-na-bunaich.]
gille-nam-fud? (at the moment)
gille-nan-sadrunaway? (at the moment)
pìcireadhmean person.
crupsquat [?].
casad-crupcough of a hoarse nature.
crùpbend.
crùb[See crùp.]
ciad-bhainnecow’s first milk.
cairteircarter. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cairtear’ with ‘cairteir’ as the quotation.]
preasapress. [SLIP: press – cupboard.]
brachlach(also) worn-out, old, as a boat. Tha brachdlach [sic] dhi ann.
sgramh(also) disgust (in connection with an old boat, etc.) Co ás a táinig a scramh [sic]. [NOTES: The quotation on the slip reads ‘Có ás a tàinig a’ sgramh?’ Definition: Disgusting old hulk of a boat.]
bocsa-dhealbhbox camera.
gadsaircustoms.
gadsairobservant female. ’S e gadsair th’innte.
sconnsaira big female or a hefty woman.
sioladh(also) dying. Rinn e sioladh air falbh – died peacefully. [SLIP: He passed away peacefully; dying.]
gobachnosey, sharp. Tha i cho gobach.
gobnose. ’S toigh leis a ghob a bhi anns a h-uile rud. [NOTES: the slip has ‘...a bhith...’.]
cràladhcrawling.
fasgadhsearching. I fasgadh a chinn.
mòine-chruaidh-dhubhdark hard peat (quality of peat).
mòine-bhànlight peat.
mòine-chòsachabsorbent peat.
tobar-réisgpeat well.
tobar-talamh-tolla well or waterlogged hole with water on broken ground.
bùrn-réisgpeat water.
bùrn-an-réisgpeat water. [See burn-réisg.]
sgamhan‘soul’. An robh duin’ anns an tigh? Cha robh sgamhan.
adharchorn; fog-horn. Séid an adhairc. A horn of a dead cow was used by fishermen when in fog to denote their presence. (Scalpay)
feamanadhcollecting seaweed for manure, and on to the croft.
slapail(also) slashing [sic] [slushing?], slashing [sic] movement of the feet against soft mud, etc.
cleitrich(also) showdown. [SLIP: show down.]
clapanachadhpadding. Bha e ’g a chlapanach [sic].
glumaradhthe noise of the sea, of wavelets against the hull of a boat. [SLIP: Noise of wavelets against the side of a boat.]
feansafence.
toman fraoichheather knoll.
lannfence. (The more modern word feansa [q.v.] is the Scalpay version among the present generation.)
mullach-fraoichheather-thatched roof.
mullach-camhlaichstraw-thatched roof.
mullach-cloichestone-paved roof.
mullach-claiseachcorrugated roof.
mullach-fiodhwooden roof.
trannstrance.
beurrspark.
baltsoft breeze.
pràigscatter of children.
spiolag(also) mischievous bairn, mischievous child.
piocaidpick.
culachheadgear of unusual size. Culach mhor m’a cheann. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…mhór…’.]
greimeilhold, grasp, grasping.
coichlichgurgle. Bha coichlich a bhàis ’na h-amhaich. [NOTES: the slip has ‘...a’ bhàis...’. Definition: Gurgle (death-rattle).]
cochlaich[See coichlich.]
scrainnsearscroucher [sic] [scrounger?].
fear-stiùraidhdirector, etc, etc.
fear-caoichuncontrollable person, male.
grinneal-garbhrough shingle.
meanbh-chlachansmall stones. [NOTES: slipped under ‘meanbh-chlach’ with ‘meanbh-chlachan’ as the quotation.]
morghachmixture of stone and sand.
suaibthe line and buoy float attached to great lines, fishing lines.
spàlagwee unsteady boat, unstable small boat.
cnag-bheòilgunwale pin.
plunndraigeadhfloundered. (boat) [SLIP: To flounder (boat).]
thairiscapsized. (boat) Chaidh i thairis anns na tuinn. [SLIP: Of boat, to capsize.]
sgouilterjellyfish. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgouiltear’.]
caoiltearthin person.
sgluis(also) thick liquid, or a mixture of a soft matter like dough and mixing into a form of a sticky nature. [SLIP: Thick liquid or doughy mixture.]
sglobanhanging thickness of fat under the chin, or thickness of mutton under the chin of an extra fat person. [SLIP: Hanging fat under the chin.]
sgleitrich(also) a reprimand.
sglùrag, sglùragan[pl.] thin layer of cloth. Nach cuir thu dhiot na sglùragan tan’ sin or na sglùragan sin. [NOTES: quotation on the slip: Nach cuir thu dhìot na sglùragan tana sin.]
slugaisteadhtonnage. (boat) Tha slugaisteadh mhath aice.
bragailproud.
bragadhbragging.
mineideachdetailed.
shobhlaigeadh[sic] shovelling. [SLIP: To shovel.]
sluaiseidshovel. Perhaps the word sluaisreadh [q.v.] has been adapted from this word? [NOTES: slipped under ‘sluaseid’.]
sluaisreadhthe movement of the sand on the ebb-in heavy seas; or the action of the sea on the sand – the heavy seas, the waves curling over it, ‘shovelling’ it back and fore? (My own definition at the moment.) [SLIP: Movement of sand by sea.]
trabhalairthe hook and ring on which a lug sail was hooked on, adjacent to the mast. (boat)
sguit(also) a shelf in a boat.
frasadh‘showering’. ’G a fhrasadh mu ’cheann.
froiseadh(frois) beating. A’ froiseadh an t-sìl.
bun-froisethe beginning of a shower, the formation of a shower. [SLIP: The formative beginning of a shower.]
bonn-a-tacsafeet against a support. Cuir do dhà bhonn ’n tacsa.
bun-baclying at anchor. Na raimh ri bun-bac. They had this saying in Scalpay in former days. Perhaps you have another meaning yourself for this term?
bun-na-còmhladoorstep.
geaghanadhendeavouring, attempting in a petty sort of way.
sgiathalaichalso applied humanly [sic] as: De a sgiathalaich th’air ’n duin’ ud – here and there and everywhere. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘dé a’ sgiathalaich th’air an duin’ ud’. Definition: Fluttering about.]
bogha-cléibhcreel hoop; cliabh ghiomach.
cliabh-seilichcreel made of willow twigs.
ball-cléibhrope hauler for a lobster pot.
gada fleet of lobster pots, stringed in the sea. [SLIP: A series of lobster pots strung out on the surface of the sea.]
tarpolintarpaulin.
cròcailcroaking.
grimhealbony person.
crausgach(also) unevenly, bended. [SLIP: Uneven, bent.]
croitseachperson having crutches. [SLIP: Person with crutches.]
flipearsaichflipping.
crathadh-làmhwaving by hand.
soisgealwhereabouts, redemption. Cha fhaca mi càil dha soisgeal. [NOTES: in the example ‘soisgeal’ was originally spelt ‘shoisgeal’ but then ‘h’ was crossed out. The quotation on the slip reads: ‘Chan fhaca mi càil dha shoisgeal’. Definition: Wherebouts.]
brògan-tacaideachtacketed [sic] boots. [SLIP: tackety boots.]
brògan-cruidheachplated boots.
each-cruidheachhoof-plated horse. [SLIP: Hooved horse.]
Rubha-nan-eachplace-name (Harris), etc.
botul-tethhot water bottle.
pèipear-chuileagfly paper. [NOTES: slipped under ‘pàipear-chuileag’.]
coire-cartaidhthe container for boiling bark for the fishing nets.
sàbh-feòlabutcher’s saw.
tuna-feòlatinned meat.
aran-milistea bread.
ùr-fhaclachnewly-worded.
canastair-feòlatinned mutton.
cracaincream crackers (biscuits). (A word I discovered recently from an old lady: it may be her own invented word… if you will accept it?)
stuth-chuileagfly killer.
puinnsean-rodainwarfarin, rodent poison. [SLIP: Rat poison.]
puinnsean-nan-luchainrodent poison. [SLIP: “Mouse poison”.]
cnagan-anairtclothes pegs.
lof-ghuranscurrant loaf.
pacaid-ime½ lb packet of butter. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ìm’ and ‘pacaid’ with ‘pacaid ìme’ as the quotation. Definition: Half-pound packet of butter.]
pùnnd-càispound of cheese.
bainne-na-canastairean(condensed) tinned milk.
cnagan(tin), jar.
stòp-pinndpint stop, ½ g’l measurement. [SLIP: Pint-stop; half-gill measurement.]
flasg-bainne‘milk flask’.
tàirnean-sgriuthascrew nails.
tàirnean-copaircopper nails.
sgriobanscrapper [sic] [scraper?].
saibhs(sùgh chuideagan ’s min neo gràinnean mineadh na cheann ’s uinneanan). Recipe – water where cuddies (fish) is boiled, with oatmeal, sprinkle of oatmeal is added and onions, and left to boil, etc., etc. [SLIP: Meal made by mixing oatmeal and onions in water in which cuddies have been boiled and then the mixture itself is boiled.]
sodadh-arainbaking soda.
min-fhlùirflour.
baga-sgoileschool bag.
bruis-sgùraidhscrubbing brush.
‘bonnach-silidh’sponge. This perhaps is an invented term.
bruis-pheintpaint brush.
bruis-shabhaidhshaving brush.
lasadanmatch.
maitse, pl. maitsicheanmatch.
sireapsyrup.
suiteassweets. (Scalpay) [SLIP: Sweet (noun).]
baiteareas[sic] batteries. [NOTES: slipped under ‘baitearas’.]
caraicheancars.
peterolpetrol.
tigh-dhealbhpicture-house.
tigh-marbhaidhslaughterhouse.
feòil-marbhaidhbutcher meat.
lion-fuiltas referred to by the old folk on Scalpay today. I have noted this term already, I think. [NOTES: slipped under ‘lìon-fuilt’. Definition: Hairnet.]
deisesuit (gent’s suit of clothes).
brògan-rubár[?] rubber boots. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bròg-rubar’. Definition: Rubber boot.]
coileachansmall cockerel.
caoradh Hiortach[sic] sheep species attributable to the island of St Kilda. [SLIP: St Kilda species of sheep.]
stragaidhscattered amount, thin scattered evenly distributed.
ciridhpet sheep.
cioradhpet sheep.
straulaichequally scattered amount as fish in a net.
crothan-chaorachsheep cots.
bothan-àirigha construction of a bothy serving as both bothy and sheiling.
bothan-fraoicha heather-thatched bothy.
[note](Words on this page in red [i.e. starting from coileachan] signifying ‘old words’ or words more aptly used in former eras or days, while those in black as above are ‘new words’ or more associated with the present.)
stetion-nam-muc[sic] whaling station. [NOTES: slipped under ‘steisean’ with ‘steisean-nam-muc’ as the quotation.]
mionnaichean-a-sgadainherring entrails.
mionnaichean-an-éisgfish entrails.
sgùracha light shower on the top of a mountain. [SLIP: Slight shower on a mountain-top.]
clobhta-sgùraidhwashing cloth.
dearg stoirman unusual storm force. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dearg’ with ‘dearg-stoirm’ as the quotation. Definition: Storm of unusual force.]
stoirm uamhasachfrightening storm.
dusddust. Tha dusd air choireiginn oirre – weather appearance.
dusdachdusty.
tide rabach‘foul’ weather. [NOTES: slipped under ‘rabach’ with ‘tìde rabach’ as the quotation. Definition: Foul weather.]
lag-na-sleisdehollow at the back of the thigh.
duilleaganpages, tracts.
anartwinding sheet.
cuimhneachan-cogaidhwar memorial.
drobhandroves, as of cattle. [NOTES: slipped under ‘drobh’ with ‘pl. drobhan’ as the quotation. Definition: Drove (of cattle).]
min-saibhsawdust.
min-bhuidhemaize meal.
siol-nan-cearchen feeding grain. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sìol’ with ‘sìol nan cearc’ as the quotation. Definition: Grain for feeding hens.]
duilleagan càilcabbage leaves.
buntàta carachwarted potatoes.
buntàta-sìlseed potatoes.
ceilpseaweed.
feamainn-na-ceilpekelp seaweed.
àthkiln.
ceann-na-tràghadhead of the ebb.
tràigh bhuidheyellow sand, golden sand. [SLIP: Yellow/golden sand.]
gainneach mhìnfine sand.
gainneach-a-mhuilgreyish sand.
gainneamhsand.
gainmheachsand. [SLIP: Sandy.]
gainneachsand.
morghan-mìnfine shingle.
molcoarse shingle.
ruadhanovercooked.
brùcd-ruadhain[sic] gastric result from overcooked food. [NOTES: slipped under ‘brùchd-ruadhain’.]
madhar-galldafly hooks from the shop.
madhar-cloithefishing hook served with a woollen (artificial) lure.
cuileagartificial fly for trout fishing.
cuileaganartificial flies of various colours and forms (for the angler’s fishing rod).
slat-mhathairfishing rod.
slat-mhaghairfishing rod.
driamlach(fishing) line for fishing rods. [SLIP: Fishing line (on rod).]
dorgha[line] of the heavier quality for fishing (ground fishing). [SLIP: Heavy fishing line.]
slat-chuilcbamboo fishing rod.
slat-chuilcwillow rod, willow fishing rod.
slat-druimeanaichfishing rod of a branch off the alder tree. [SLIP: Fishing rod made from an alder branch.]
grùnnd-iasgaichfishing ground.
grunnachadhaground, in the event of detecting the bottom.
grunnachadhlead line detection in seamanship. [SLIP: Feeling the bottom of the sea with a lead line.]
faireachdainndetecting fish, herring by wire dragged by the boat; the herring or fish coming against the wire caused a feel of their presence. Bha sinn dha fhaireachdainn. Now through the meter indicator in the wheel house (boat). [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘Bha sinn ’ga fhaireachdainn.’ Definition: Detecting herring by means of a wire dragged by the fishing boat.]
faireachduinndetection (fish) with a wire indicator after a vessel.
luaidhe(also) fish-detector, detecting by lead sinker and line. ’G fhaireachduinn leis an luaidhe. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘’ga fhaireachdainn leis an luaidhe.’]
grègheancoral. Bha grèghean gu leòir ann. (Scalpay) (Fishermen getting pieces of it enmeshed.)
farsaneachdspace.
farsaingeachdspace.
fudraigeadhfuddling.
bat’-aiseig-charbadanvehicular ferry.
seòlaidharbour. (Very seldom heard if at all in conversation now.)
long-phortharbour, etc.
ri-portin port.
camaràdcomrade, companion.
beart-fhigheadhweaving loom.
manadhghost.
taibhsghost.
samhladhghost.
tannasgghost.
[note](Some people, I think, will tell the difference between each of these?)
builgean-sàilesea bubble.
rèim-marasea scum; seen on a calm sea and left on the rocks after the receding tide.
falach-cuainout of view on the sea. When a vessel overtakes the other and will follow on her course until she makes a “falach cuain dhi”.
logaidh-tairbhdosan of a bull, the hairs over the bull’s head and over the eyes.
inneal-marbhaidhmurder weapon.
bualadh-bhashand clapping.
tarsachanfeet spar.
tionnasnadhmishap.
sgeith-ròinseal blubber. [SLIP: Seal’s blubber.]
mùsgan-caolprawn. I have discovered this word for prawn.
strùbancockle.
creachannscallop/clam.
isbeansausage.
gailleachgills (fish).
gobhlachanturnstone (bird).
botul-incink bottle.
bólabowl.
plumadaich(plumping) splashing.
sicamorsycamore (tree).
darachoak.
seileachwillow.
briogadhpruning.
bà-bàimitated to a child to notify him to sleep. [SLIP: Said to a child to make him fall asleep.]
buathsachsilly woman.
busraicheanwitchcraft.
Béteagpersonal name, wee Betty.
mosagwee selfish child.
coitseachcoating. [?] [NOTES: the word is unclear. It looks like ‘coatch’ corrected to ‘coating’ but maybe coaching was meant.] Gabh do choitseach. [SLIP: Coaching (travelling?).]
coitsireachdcoaching. Dé a choitsireach [sic] th’air – in other word travelling. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘Dé a’ choitsireachd a th’air? Definition: Travelling.]
Agnaspersonal name, Agnes.
ÙnaAgnes.
SeasagJessie (diminutive).
SeasaidhJessie.
Calumanwee Calum or Junior from Calum; personal name.
Dòmhnallanwee Donald; personal name, diminutive form.
Aonghasachanwee Angus; personal name, diminutive form.
Tormod beagwee Norman.
Coinneach mórbig Kenneth.
[patronymics]Iain Fhionnlaigh Fhearchair, Dhòmhnaill òig – patronymic (form). Domhall Iain mac Eoghainn, Thormoid, mac Chaluim bhig – patronymic.
Calum sgoileirMalcolm the scholar; personal name and the adjective word indicating the person’s occupation, etc.
Murchadh postMurdo the postman.
Seòras saorGeorge the joiner.
Calum-nan-gobhargoatherd Calum.
Iamhar-a-chaolaisIvor or Edward of the sound or channel, signifying where Ivor lives, whereas the top [i.e. Calum-nan-gobhar] indicates Calum’s occupation or ‘trade’ if you wish: a ‘goat herd’s man’.
Màiri nan gleannMary living in the glens.
Anna nam moganAnnie of the (mitts as below) tennis socks; ceann stockanain.
mogain(mitts air son nan lamh) tennis socks, etc.
rèipeaga child with a mark of his eating excess on his lips; or [?] rather the sign of an untidy eating process on his lips, such [as] in the case of eating chocolate etc. [SLIP: A mark left on a child’s mouth after eating eg. a bar of chocolate; pos. the child himself.]
mol-nan-eileanplace-names showing the term used to describe the preceding word or words, etc.
cuir-seachad-aotram[sic] light entertainment. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cur-seachad’ with ‘cur-seachad aotrom’ as the quotation.]
plodagwee plodding female.
putaga ‘buttish’ female, small and fat, child female. [SLIP: A small, fat girl.]
stansastance. Stansa na féile.
mansamanse.
bublaigeadhbubbling.
builgeananwee bubbles; blisters. [NOTES: slipped under ‘builgean’. Definition: Small bubble; blister.]
bhanvan.
làraidhlorry.
baighseacalbicycle.
pufairpuffer (vessel). [SLIP: Puffer (boat).]
rathad-tearradhroad surface with tar macadam.
rathad-monaidhmoorland road, or a road across a moor.
peansail-purpaidhindelible pencil.
suathaga wee wipe.
mèitrigmetric weights and measures.
tachdadhchocked [sic] [choked?]. [NOTES: slipped under ‘tachd’ with ‘a’ tachdadh’ as the quotation. Definition: To choke.]
cu-criadhaclay dog (ornament).
cat-criadhaclay cat (ornament).
cumaidhean-criadhaclay ornaments.
poit-leabaidhchamber pot.
poit-leabadh[See poit-leabaidh.]
poit-sheòmairchamber pot.
fraoighleasornamental cuttings on the edge of a curtain, or ornamental cloth design. [SLIP: Ornamental fringe on curtains or cloth design.]
leabaidh-iaruinniron bed (frames). [SLIP: Iron bed (frame).]
puist-leabadhbedposts. [NOTES: slipped under ‘post’ and under ‘leabaidh’.]
tigh-aoraidhworshipping house. [SLIP: House of worship.]
tigh-chalumandovecots [sic]. [SLIP: Dove-cot.]
gabhail ceòsmoking.
gabhail-toitsmoking.
dearg rùistebare naked. [SLIP: Stark naked.]
briosgaidean-milissweet biscuits.
solus-marabeacon.
compaistcompass.
crann-beagmizzen mast in a fishing vessel.
crann-mórfore mast in a fishing vessel, etc.
tac-an-teinefireside.
cuingleachadh(also) kept within close contact, accessed.
ceò-bhànwhite smoke.
slibheagwooden stick for stirring, shaped. [SLIP: Shaped wooden spoon for stirring.]
maide-slibheigwooden stick or a handy piece of wood to serve as the real thing [i.e. as slibheag q.v.].
spàin-fhiodhawooden spoon.
spàin-cnaimhebone spoon, spoon made of bone.
cnaimh-géilleanjaw bone.
fuil-reòdhtafrozen blood.
siùcar-reòdhtaiced sugar. [SLIP: Iced sugar (icing?).]
meath-chasadslight cough.
tombaco-milisfine cut tobacco, of a light (or perhaps sweet) quality.
sùgh-feamainnabstracted juice from seaweed.
sùgh-na-feamainnqualities or the ingredient liquid form of seaweed.
tiormachd-na-Màirtdry days in March. [NOTES: slipped under ‘tiormachd’ with ‘tiormachd na Màirt’ as the quotation and a note added – N.B. ‘Màrt’ is feminine here.]
còmhdach-air-eiginnhardly covered.
iadh-shlatwoodbine (tree).
sallastairiris. [SLIP: Iris (plant).]
buathallanragwort.
craobhantrees.
lusanherbs. [NOTES: slipped under ‘lus’ with ‘pl. lusan’ as the quotation. Definition: Herb.]
planntaiseanplants. [NOTES: slipped under ‘planntais’ with ‘pl. planntaisean’ as the quotation. Definition: Plant.]
ditheinflowers. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dìthean’ with ‘plural: dithein’ as the quotation. Definition: Flowers.]
ditheannanflowers. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dìthean’ with ‘plural: ditheannan’ as the quotation. Definition: Flowers.]
sgannhardly.
sgial(also) trace. Cha ’eil sgial air – no report (or song) of him.
sgoladh(also) rinse. Sgoladh dhe mo theanga – rinse of my tongue, literally. [SLIP: Rinse; (here) scolding.]
arbhar-cruaidhicte[sic] hardened husks, corn, etc.; corn-flakes. [NOTES: slipped under ‘arbhar’ with ‘arbhar cruaidhichte’ as the quotation. Definition: Hardened husks of corn; ‘corn-flakes’.]
raus-cruaidhterice crispies.
brot-na-canastaireantinned soup.
sùgh-iseinchicken soup.
cearc-mharaseabird, ‘sea hen’.
eòin-mharaseabirds.
puist-feansafence posts. [NOTES: slipped under ‘post’ and under ‘feansa’ with ‘puist-feansa’ as the quotation.]
pòstpostman.
leam leatturncoat. [NOTES: slipped under ‘le’ with ‘leam leat’ as the quotation.]
brùchdadhbursting. [NOTES: slipped under ‘brùchd’ with ‘a’ brùchdadh’ as the quotation.]
diabhairdiver.
flapaideanflaps. [NOTES: slipped under ‘flap’ with ‘plural: flapaidean’ as the quotation. Definition: Flaps.]
clogadhelmet.
piob-na-h-èirwind pipe, air pipe through which a supply of air is received.
meinneidearanminers. [NOTES: slipped under ‘mèinneadair’ with ‘plural: meinneidearan’ as the quotation.]
sgolpaigeadh(also) sculpturing. Sgolpaigeadh air – sculpture design on material, like wallpaper etc. [SLIP: Sculptured design on certain materials, eg. wallpaper; sculpturing.]
drobhairdrover.
gèimeir(gemmer) gamekeeper.
riochdairerepresentative.
obair-na-h-olaoil work(s).
tràlair-iasgaichfishing trawler.
bàta-marasea boat. Is e bàta-mara math a h-innte [sic] – a good sea boat. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bàta’. Quotation: ’Se bàta-mara math a th’innte. Definition: Sea-boat.]
bàt’-iaruinnvessel made of steal or iron.
bat’-fiodh[sic] vessel built of wood.
tamhasgfool.
tathaich(also) ghost sounds. Bhitheadh iad a’ cluinntinn tathaich ann. [SLIP: Ghostly sounds.]
tathasg(also) (perhaps a skeleton frame of a being). [SLIP: Ghost.]
tàthadhpiece together. Cha’n eil iad a’ tathadh ri chéile. Perhaps words as such have similarities?
tanasg(already noted) ghost.
tanathin. Sgàil thana.
barran-tarsainirregular crop of potatoes; showing its appearance between the drills, ‘tops’ appearing between the drill spaces, at hoeing time.
drùthadhdrenching.
drùdhadh[See drùthadh.]
each-iaruinnsymbolical name for a train.
tigh-saoirsneachdjoiner’s workshop.
saor-eithricheancarpenter.
góbhal-craoibhefork of a tree.
maide-starraina plank used as a bridge to cross a stream.
iarnachan-snàthyarn hanks. [NOTES: slipped under ‘iarna’ with ‘plural: iarnachan snàth’ as the quotation.]
iarnachan(also) hanks. Na linn mhóra air an crochadh nan iarnachan. [NOTES: slipped under ‘iarna’ with ‘plural: iarnachan’ and the above example as the quotation.]
biathadh-slànuncut bait. Chuir sinn biathadh slàn oirre (great lines). Whole herring, not cut in half. [NOTES: slipped under ‘biathadh’ with ‘biathadh slàn’ and the above example as the quotation. Definition: Uncut bait – eg. whole herring, not cut in half.]
biathadhattracting. Dha biathadh thuige fhéin.
clòbharclover (flower). Cha bhiodh e toilichte ged a bhiodh e a-measg a’ chlòbhar.
steirstir.
stur[See steir.]
falbh air cuiblichean[sic] borne on wheels. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cuibhle’ with ‘falbh air cuibhlichean’ as the quotation.]
falbh air a threòraisde fheingoing on his own accord. [NOTES: slipped under ‘treòraisde’ with ‘falbh air a threòraisde fhéin’ as the quotation.]
cothormaichean[sic] weights.
cothorm[sic] weight.
cothorm-ùnnsa[sic] ounce weight.
bolg-soluisbulb, electric bulb.
mullachchild. An aon mhullach a tha agam. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…a th’agam’.]
mullachhead. O do mhullach gu do shàil. [SLIP: Head; top to toe.]
marbhandead. Ann am marbhan a mheadhonn [sic] oidhche. [NOTES: the slip has ‘… a’ mheadhoin-oidhche’. Definition: Dead (metaphorical noun).]
càradh-cloichemasonry.
bleideaganflakes. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bleideag’.]
plaosgag(also) modest little female, or modest female.
piùragwee sister, child sister.
plèistreadhplastering. [NOTES: slipped under ‘pléistreadh’.]
àrladhharling.
bùidhbuoy.
guaraidhquarry.
truilleisrubbish.
trapadhtrapping.
stireapstirrup.
crachdcrack.
carcascarcase, Scalpay pronunciation (carcas).
òrain-poppop songs. [NOTES: slipped under ‘òran-pop’ with ‘plural: òrain-pop’ as the quotation.]
dotaireachddoctoring, surgery.
leac-cloichestone-slab.
leac-nigheadhwashing stone platform.
clach-nigheachstone on which the washer woman put her washing on.
bean-nigheanwasher woman.
bean-nighean(also) ghost woman, of legendary existence.
uisge-tinneas-an-righwater associated with the cure of the disease known as the King’s Evil. [NOTES: slipped under ‘uisge’ with ‘uisge tinneas-an-rìgh’ as the quotation.]
briagadhenticing.
ògaroxide.
gròbadhputting together as cloth, mending or stitching together in a scanty fashion.
grabadhgrabbing. [SLIP: To grab.]
snathad-fuaigheilmending needle. [NOTES: slipped under ‘snàthad’ with ‘snàthad-fuaigheil’ as the quotation. Definition: Needle for mending.]
snàth-cògrachnet mending twine, or fishing net mending twine. [NOTES: slipped under ‘snàth’ with ‘snàth-cògrach’ as the quotation. Definition: Twine for mending nets.]
cuibhleadhcoiling.
ròp-tearradhtarred rope.
fraoch-goiridvirgin heather, or short heather.
fraoch-fadalong heather.
fraoch-gealwhite heather.
fraochanger.
bàrr-an-fhraoichthe blossom of the heather or top of the heather. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bàrr’ with ‘bàrr an fhraoich’ as the quotation. Definition: Blossom (or top) of heather.]
long-fhadalong boat.
tuba-saillidhtub for salting fish.
croga-ruadhclay jar of a brownish colour, used as a salt container among household utensils of former days.
bùrn-an-iaruinn(perhaps noted already) (also) water of a chemical sort of scum on the surface resembling iron: rusty appearance. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bùrn’ and ‘iarunn’ with ‘bùrn an iaruinn’ as the quotation. Definition: Water with a chemically-caused scum (of rusty appearance) on the surface.]
bùrn-lòinstagnant water of a morass.
burn-ruithrunning water, stream.
bùrn-òildrinking water.
burn-salachcontaminated water.
mòine-phrannbroken peat; moinne-phrann nature of peat.
stampstamp
surragpuddle.
spuireagwee claw.
sprodansmall sticks. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sprodan (plural)’.]
spreòid(also) a long chip of wood. [SLIP: A long sliver of wood.]
springrope to which fish nets are tied.
guibeadhwhipped.
guibeadhwhipping the ends of a rope. A bheil ’n ròp sin air a ghuibeadh.
ceann-turcachturk’s head; on the end of a rope, seamanship design, etc. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann’ with ‘ceann turcach’ as the quotation. Definition: A seaman’s design on the end of a rope.]
bucaid-canabhaiscanvas bucket, or bucket made of canvas.
brògan-canabhaiscanvas shoes.
ropan-naidhlionsnylon ropes. [NOTES: slipped under ‘naidhlon’ with ‘ròpan naidhlions’ as the quotation.]
leac-criadhatile.
leac-doruisflax [sic] stone [flagstone?], at a door.
clach-shnaithtedressed stone.
clach-mhuilround and oval stones on a beach.
crios-leathairleather belt.
crios-na-cruaichemiddle part of the stack, etc.
éisg-na-marafishes of the sea.
maorachshellfish.
1. Letter dated 14/7/1975
àilt(also) ember. A’ lasadh na pioba(dh) le àilt. (Scalpay) The name was pronounced in Scalpay and used.
peileirpith [sic] or fastness, etc. Bha e ’g oibreachadh aig peileir a bheatha. (Scalpay)
peilepail.
preasbataridhpresbytery.
parlamaida group of people discussing local affairs. Parlamaid Hiortach.
dorus-na-faingethe fank entrance.
dubhan-linn-mhor[sic] size of hook(s) appropriate for great lines (fishing).
dubhan-linn-bheagasize of hook(s) suitable for small lines.
poc-a-mantópocamantaue? [sic] [portmanteau?]
ola-nam-mucoil from whales (whale oil).
sgiathfin. Sgiath a chearbain.
sgiath dhubhI am not sure of this one: only very vague, was it a birthmark or a mark of ill luck, wasn’t the term “Tha sgiath dhubh ort” used? I think so.
sgiath-an-fhichichI am not sure of this one either. Some ailment approaching someone, misfortune. Bhuail sgiath an fhichich ort.
sgoil-dhubhblack magic.
tinneas-a-righ‘King’s disease’ or ‘King’s Evil’. Known in the Highlands of Scotland.
tinneas-marasea-sickness.
dorgha-leathafull scope. Leig e ’n dorgha leatha – full reins.
tuilleadh ’s a chòirmore than enough. Expressions.
dacha-dubhthe disappearance of frost.
locha-buidheextremely long time. Thug e locha-buidh’ ann.
frìdeammote. Cha d’fhuair sinn frìdeam.
tutanadhremoved irregularly in a continual fashion.
discold, objectionable to cold, prone to feel cold. Nach tu tha dis.
bòrd-iochdairfoot board. Bòrd iochdair na leaba.
bòrd-nigheadhwashing board.
bòrd-uachdaircoffin lid.
spàineagwee spoon. Cuir spàineag bheag ’na bhial dhe.
bòineid-béinRussian headdress. Bha bòinneid béin air Eoghainn. (People on Scalpay 60 year back had some of these headgear: they may have been found through sailors.)
seacaid bheleibheidvelvet jacket.
curraic-béinRussian headdress.
currac-béin[See curraic-béin.]
currac-cinnheaddress.
cùl-do-churraicback of the head.
balgair bubble.
clobha-gobhasmith tongs, long tongs used by a smith to withdraw iron from the fire.
clobha-gobhatongs made by a smith, hand-made tongs.
spaidseireachd(also) display of a person’s movement.
piocachmean.
spiocach[See piocach.]
[note](I may have noted these two already.)
garachhave more than his requirements, as in the case of eating. Tha e garach air – in other words: Tha e seideadh air.
guracha St Kildian word, but if it’s the same meaning [as garach q.v.] I am not prepared at the moment to say.
ribesnare or strap.
rotachhinding [sic], thrashing.
ròpa rope. Rinn e ròp de ghuitheachan.
rasgalrascal.
baragscum.
plèigplaque.
siubhal-sìthea quiet way of travelling, done without hindrance, or dying peacefully.
braisetemper.
aghachcheeky.
sèiptreat, a palatable approach.
seodairelazy fellow, slovenly person.
seodaire-gaoithea lazy person, flighty, as we say full of wind.
siachaire-cladaichshore (person) scroucher [sic] [scrounger?], also a bird species associated to the same term.
rog-gaoithesound of roaring wind. Cha’n ’eil càil ann ach ro-gaoithe [sic] (Scalpay) – reference to a loud talkative person.
ròcailroaring; ‘seasound’ when licking into caves.
paipeir-gleansachsilver paper.
cath-choileachcock-fight.
airgead-aiseigfreight.
paipeir-palla[?] wallpaper.
paipeir-ballawallpaper.
eanhero. ’S e ean th’ann.
mathanexceptional[ly] strong person. ’S e mathan ann. Tha e mar am mathan. – signifying strength.
muileidmule.
faradhfreight.
minicoften. ’S minic a bha.
cliseachsides, appearance. Tha bhuil air do chliseach.
drumadrum.
dagadagger.
iomhaigh-dhaitemake up.
braidean(also) reference to Satan.
an droch-aonSatan.
bradhadaira big fire.
braidetheft. An rud a fhuair braide, ghoid braidean (common in Scalpay).
siol-shìthegerminating peace, peace. Cha tig siol-shìthe gu bràth air.
piob-chriadhaclay pipe, smoking pipe made of clay. Quite common in former years seeing a person smoking a penny clay pipe.
tighean-samhraidhsummer houses.
dath-aodainnrouge.
truthaireconvulsion associated with the whooping cough.
dhéibhinnabout. Leughadh mu dhéibhinn (this form).
dreach-dhathadh(also) rouge.
còmhdachpowder. Tiugh leis a’ chòmhdaich de dhath bh’air a aodann – from one individually [sic] reference to a lady’s powdered face, likely of his own rendering description.
brucachweather-beaten. Le aghaidh bhrucach ghorm. (Scalpay)
brucachruddy, fattish. May have derived from the brù form of description.
sgàile dreach dhathadhrouge.
sgàile de chòmdach[sic] came into existence from a writer describing a lady’s face being powdered (padded) and rouge (dreach dhathadh) adapted.
fùdarpowder. Làn leis an fhùdar. (already noted)
sgeileidskillet.
sruthan-lòinmarsh streamlet.
dath-an-aoigdeath pale.
steallagsug [sic] [suck?]. Thoir dhomh steallag dhe.
stràbhstraw. ’G a òl le stàbh [sic] – as drinking with a straw from a bottle, etc.
dallag-fhraoichsome form of creature associated with the heather; it could be luch fheòir species of animal. I am afraid I cannot say exactly in this instance, it could be a bat, it could be a creature newly born in the heather – my nearest definition to it. You may have the word already?
falcag-oidhchenight hawk. I don’t think this bird name [is?] among your list.
seabhag-oidhchenight hawk. [See falcag-oidhche.]
aibidil-ciùilstaff notation (music).
bun-an-arbhairwhat’s left of the corn when cut in the ground.
stopairstopper (rope, boat).
stopadhstopped. Tha e air stopadh neo i air stopadh –  as a water in a pipe: obstruction.
thàgairhawker.
clàr-bùirdtray.
cliath-theinebonfire.
slisedge.
iall-cheannsaichreins.
lapaichstutter. Lapaich an teanga aige or Bha lapaich air a theangaidh – as in a person affected by a ‘stroke’.
godadaichnoise (cackling or crackling).
glogadaichcackling noise, as of hens.
cruisgeancrusee [sic], a primitive form of lighting comprising originally of a simple stone with a hollow and fish oil with an ember or reeds, thus the oil in the stone being alight causing a flare to light the interior of the buildings or shack in which the ‘invention’ was placed.
clach-shùlathe St Kildian version of it [i.e. cruisgean q.v.] (used on the island of St Kilda, west of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland).
luraga bonny little girl, or a pretty little girl.
braighinside the throat.
braigh-beòilthroat region inside the mouth.
ciùradhhurt.
ciùrrascure; derived from the word, the English word cure.
fiosachdprophesy, crystal gazing.
gnath-fiosachdcustom associated with witchcraft.
liomhadhpolished.
crùncrown piece coin.
oiredge.
drùidheachddruidical beliefs, etc.
bacailhindrance.
ball-iomainshinty, shinty ball.
AmericAmerica.
AmearagaidhAmerica.
AmaragaAmerica.
AmearagadhAmerica.
roidfast run. Gheàrr e roid.
roidwreck. Camus-na-roide – place-name (Harris).
roidrunning fast for a few yards etc. preparatory to jumping.
sibhirshiver. Sud far a bheil ’n sibhire (personal approach).
crotagwee bent woman. (perhaps already noted)
cnaimh-gealbone white.
flagasgmidden.
flagaisg[See flagasg.]
fadachdlonging feeling, delay, bored in waiting for someone.
tarbh-GaidhealachHighland bull, pedigree bull from the Highlands of Scotland.
tarbh-Gallda‘Frisian Bull’.
gaidhealachhaving an appearance of a Highland character or Highland characteristics (Highland of Scotland).
fleripflare.
gabhailflame.
pliuthaga little slab [slap?] to a wee girl or boy.
plobaga wee girl. Perhaps from the English word plop or another form of the Gaelic word plabag.
stèitch, stèitchean[pl.] stage.
slipeireanslippers; wooden slippers for railway lines.
tàirnean-iaruinniron nails, ‘Norwegian nails’.
tàirnean-‘galbhanised’[?] galvanized nails.
sgiotshelf (boat).
sgiot-thoisicha forehead shelf in a boat or a seat.
sgiot-dheiridha seat in the stern or a shelf (boat).
sgiotskiff (boat).
sgeiftskiff (boat).
sgeiptskiff (boat).
sgumaire‘scummering’, a person involved in the process of netting salmon or any fish, small fish, by applying a spoon under it in the water or sea to lift [it] on to the boat or embankment.
bradan-leathainnhalibut (fish).
leabag-leathainnI am not quite sure of this one, but I think it was also common once upon a time.
leabag-leathainnhalibut (fish).
turbaidturbot (fish).
’g iasgach le slatansea angling.
isean-an-FhulmairFulmar petrel (bird).
cuilean-ròinbaby seal.
cuilean-coinwhelp, puppie.
[note](Perhaps I have noted them previously.)
sguaic-buachaircow pats.
slipthe trail left by an otter. Tha i fagail slip as a deigh. Grass being combed with a sort of phlegm substance or likeness by the movement of her body close to the ground, touching the ground.
slat-chaollight rod (fishing rod, etc.).
strócadh[See strògadh.]
strógadhstroking; stroking off as in the case of writing.
sgratchadhscratching.
sgràbadhscrabing [sic].
trèineadhtraining.
fear-mu-chuilgadmired person as in the case of a hero.
traghana three year old beast (cow).
traghanach(adjective) of the traghan [q.v.].
làrachimpression.
plosgtrob [sic].
paipeir-seachduinnweekly paper.
paipeir-lathadaily paper.
paipeir-naidheachdnewspaper.
muileadhmule carrying method of transport.
pleitrigeadhblethering.
buntàta-biorachgolden wonder potatoes, brand of potatoes.
cot’-uachairraincoat.
cuineagpail.
fear-bargainbargaining associate, contractor.
fear-rannsachaidhresearcher, detective.
deathannDean.
Deathann[See deathann.]
corran-sgathaidhhand scythe.
lodarladle. (noted already perhaps)
teàrr-a-ghuailcoal tar.
tearr-an-fhiodh[sic] Archangel Tar.
teàrr-a-chuailcoal tar.
tearradhtarring.
teàrr-smùraidhsmearing tar.
mullach-tearradhtarred roof.
tigh-cuibhleadhwheel house. (perhaps noted already)
tigh-fasgaidhshelter.
cleitstorehouse. (St Kilda)
banga(fishing) bank. Banga-nam-bàgh – place-name, Harris.
Bangathe house where money business is transacted.
cuileag-laomainnmoth flies species.
cuileag-buachairfly species.
rùgaireachdscrouching [sic].
ruchdaireachd[See rùgaireachd.]
geat-sheòlaidhsailing yacht.
geat-balaichtoy sailing yacht.
dithean-buidhe[sic] yellow flowers, buttercups, marsh marigolds, etc. collectively: all of yellow colour, blossoming yellow. Tha e làn leis an dìthean bhuidhe.
fuachd-earraichcold of spring (or as cold as spring). Tha fuachd earraich innte.
cadal-a-bhàisdeath sleep.
siorruidh-buaneverlasting existence. Cha fhaigh gu [sic] siorruidh buan.
lagh-na-marasea law.
dìth-connaidhscarcity of fuel.
turus-gun-toirbha fruitless journey.
a’ beachdachadh domhainndeep thinking.
a’ spioladh nan cnàmhnibbling the bones.
a’ càradh nan clobhtmending the fragmentary clothes.
fhuair e bogadhhe got a drenching (literally).
bogadh-nan-gaddipping the swithes [sic].
lannsa(also) scalpel, surgeon’s knife. Leig e air (doctor) leis an lannsa.
eisean-an-t-sulairebaby solan goose (bird).
gugababy solan goose. [See eisean-an-t-sulaire.]
gugas[See guga.] Words associated with St Kilda, Suilesgerry. Rock, off the Butt of Lewis, bird sanctuaries etc.
eun-gurincubating bird sitting, incubating bird.
uidhean-gurhatching eggs.
talamh-curarable land.
talamh treabhaidharable land.
talamh-glasuntilled ground.
talamh-fraoichheath covered ground.
talamh-dubharable newly tilled soil.
solus-manaidhphantom light.
dreasairdresser (furniture piece). Tha e air an dreasair.
sgonnanlittle hill. (perhaps I have also noted this one)
luadhwaulking of tweed.
spurtu[See spurtadh.]
spurtadhwaulking of tweed (St Kilda); or the word was something as here noted [i.e. spurtu], more nearer I think? One of the women folk throwing a folding across the bench, would recall (spurtu), ‘their colloquial’ [sic]. They had another pronunciation: Do mhangair – it was nothing less than their pronunciation for Do mhathair (Your mother). Cia mar a tha do mhangair, which was their pronunciation of mathair. You may have the word more correctly yourself, as I am only trying to recall it from memory or to memory.
tuba-mùina tub where urine was stored or collected for the tweed waulking process.
mùn-goirturine left to congeal or sour, ferment.
pocan-òrdaiga paper bag made by screwing the paper round the thumb into a cone shape.
màileidpaper bag.
baga-bùthadhshopping bag.
baga-bùtha[See baga-bùthadh.]
seareadair-fallaissweat (rag) towel.
clobhta-fallaissweat rag.
pacaid-shuiteisbag of sweets.
ùrlair(also) wood fastenings in the bottom of a boat, could be also applied to a steel vessel, or a vessel or boat made [of] iron.
tarraig-barraidhclinching nail appropriate for clinching.
maide-sàbhaidhpiece of wood being cut by a saw adjustment done and can be done by a saw, etc.
muilean-shàbhaidhsaw mill.
blàr-sneachdasnowball fight.
blàr-sneachdafield covered with snow.
eòlas-cinnhead knowledge, local knowledge.
musgan-caolprawn. I have already noted this rendering for prawn, which I have discovered to me I am doubtful as its appropriateness or did it ever be the interpretation of the word prawn… the giomach-cuain is the nearest?
mùsganmussel.
còmhdach-leabadhbed clothes.
leabaidh-aoilbed in which a stone is set in a wall of mortar and stones.
blocadhlime made into one heap after being socked [sic] into composition with water, thus the term: aol air a bhlocadh (Scalpay).
blocadhblocked, blocks being put together.
tulgadaichswaying, rocking.
tulgrock. Tulg a chreathall.
tulgnudge. Cha do chuir e tulg ann.
miotagan-leathair‘kitt’ gloves.
badan-fraoichtuft of heather, spot of heather.
geugan-fraoichheather twigs.
bruis-shimileirflue brush, or the brush used for brushing the chimneys clean.
baga-puistpost bag.
peint-aodainnrouge.
coire-dathan iron container where wool was boiled and coloured.
bocsa-sgadainherring box.
glain’-uigheegg cup.
ugh-nidnest egg.
ribe-eòinbird snare.
guileagshaft of bereavement, sore, pin of sorrow, guileag ghort, causing a wail of a note.
guileagswan sound or note of wail like resemblance.
fuaim domhainndeep low pitch of a sound.
bainne Galldaimported milk, term used for denoting milk coming from the mainland perhaps more so to tinned milk, etc.
ruiseadhrushing.
raiceadhracing.
ròccroak.
ràichd(also) noise of a vessel, tearing on a beach in speed. Thug i ’n ràichd sin.
righinneasdelay. ’S e righinneas a thoirt.
mùrachdigging. Dé ’m mùrach th’ air ann a shid? (Scalpay)
shidthere.
dràbhadh(also) diminishing.
piocaidpick. (also noted already I think)
pileanpillion.
sgaoilteloose. Duine neo té sgaoilte (open to tell everything).
meirgpity, rust.
tàirneachadhnailing.
sgeileid-nan-uigheanskillet for boiling the eggs.
grùgachperson set aside for a special work, person doing certain work in preparatory work. In St Kildian chores such person was known as grugach [sic], in each case a female. I think myself it’s simply another pronunciation of gruagach, it derived I think from the word or words of a gruagach [q.v.].
gruagachmaiden, maid.
gruagach ògyoung maiden.
gruagcrop of hair. Gruagach [q.v.] may have derived in this sense from a reference to have a crop of hair, etc.
callaidbusy. Tha e anns an aon challaid gun sgur.
shètshed.
Fanagpersonal name, female name for Bannytine (male).
màladhmauling.
màl-spìcmarling [sic] spike.
Màireagpersonal name for a female, diminutive for Mary. May have derived from the children source of pronunciation.
sùgh-na-craoibhesap of the tree.
sgreaglachscabby.
runnag soluisa glimpse of light. Cha robh runnag soluis ann.
runnagstar.
runnagachstarry.
gnùthan(also) chant, low chant of a song.
gnuathsullen.
clìbheircleaver, chopper.
troigh-sgueirmeasuring rule.
tarsachainwood in crosswise order, as wooden pane holders in a window, etc. Strips of wood of various size could be referred to likewise.
sparchas(also) feet spars, wooden support to the feet in rowing a boat. The wooden 2x2 or 3x3… was crosswise putting your feet against it while pulling at the oars.
guireamalgrumbling.
graibhleansmall portion.
striochdagwee line, a wee streak of coloured feathers, white, showing in a bird’s wing. Bha striochdag gheal air a sgiath aige, neo striachdag gheal de dh’itean air sgiath aige (bird).
striteag(also) an emotional female (may have derived from stratag).
clogsbig heavy boots.
brògan-rubairrubber boots. (also noted already)
blaith-bròigeI have heard of an individual on Scalpay using this term for a shoe – the shoe coming to Scalpay after the boot fashion and may have caused the individual to term or describe the shoe or shoes likewise.
gólaisga showy female, as the miniskirt fashion could recall such as [sic] term, ‘gólaisg’.
gólaisgeachshowy in the miniskirt apparel.
pioraguntidy, cheeky girl.
pioraiduntidy, cheeky girl. [See piorag.] (perhaps also noted already)
sgaitdecent amount.
sgait-cladaichflotsam, driftwood found on the shore. (Scalpay) (I have reference to the words on former pages, I think.)
suspunn-cinn(also) head knowledge.
spractrim. Sprac an duin’ e fhéin ’s dh’fhalbh e.
spractrimmed; put clothes in order in trim: closing the jacket, etc.
dà-bhìghopening between the door and the doorpost, when the door is opened.
broileanchest.
brat-folaichhiding cover as on the head of a criminal when being taken into custody.
preaslachunsmooth (skin).
sùmhlaichvanished. Shùmhlaich i.
uasaidquarrelsome. Uasaid mhnatha [?] bh’aige.
diùbhailhopeless. Laight na diùghail [sic] – laid (lay, laigheadh) in hopelessness.
laigheadhsleep.
diù(gh)ailworthy.
sleitichstretched. Laight and sleitich form of developing one word gradually forming similarities.
sleamhnuinn[sic] slippery. Bha e cho sleamhuinn, ’s chaidh e na shlèitich air a ‘dhruma’ dìreach.
druimback.
diùghadhbad character.
stiùrcstoor.
sturaicstoor. [See stiùrc.]
bhalsadhwalking, continually walking. Dé a bhalsadh air an duin’ ud a h-uile latha a chì mi e.
sgiathagsmall wing (bird).
sgiathawing as in a building. Sgiatha ’mach as a chùl aige (house).
gearradh-sgathaidhcutting in the form of scything. Dha sgath.
sgoileagblow. Thug e sgaoileag dha.
ceisneachadh-tarsainncross-examined.
cumhagnarrow.
cumhang[See cumhag.]
bocs’-airgeidcash box.
bocsa-na-gogaidin the box of a coquette. Tha e ’m bocsa-na-gogaid. (a term still common in Scalpay) It must mean or probably means a strait jacket of some sort, up to the present time I am not quite clear as to this term’s meaning. If I’ll get another clue I note same in forthcoming pages.
caileach-ribeach(also) a wart, a scabby wart on the skin.
thuipeirunskilled (tradesman) person in a trade.
thuipeireachdwork done as building or joinery in a crude form.
uisgeachadhwatering. Ag uisgeachadh a’ ghàraidh.
ditheadhpressing.
brucachspotted. Aodan brucach – always a demonstration of a fat person or a fat reddish face.
braicphast(colloquially) breakfast. (Scalpay)
stiachdposition.
bunabhuachaillecrested cormorant.
fasgadaircrested cormorant species.
sgarbhcrested cormorant species.
rògairerogue.
curgaigeadhcoupling. ’S math a tha sibh a’ curgaigeadh – some or a couple referred to as looking well matched. At a wedding procession, the bride and bridegroom were followed to church by couples, of male and female partners.
seòrsaigeadhexamining.
ruidleadhsieving.
ruidealsieve.
salamantarsgiving unruly blows. Thug i na salamantars sin oirre – referring to two boats in collision, the one or the stoutest coming at speed and giving the other na salamantars.
sproiteanbits of wood.
sproiteanachadhpoking. A sproiteanachadh an teine.
dà spòig risbare feet.
bior-gréibhidhpaint brush, artist’s paint brush.
gial, giallan[pl.] jaw.
ab-is-aba contract between persons for staying silent.
bainne-na-cìchebreast feeding.
teugadhdried. Air teugadh. (From tiachdadh I would think.)
teuchdadh[See teugadh.]
gréibhidhgravy.
lannsa(also) lancet.
cìleag‘softie’, not a ‘hardy’ person.
buigileagsoft (person) child.
broinneagchild’s belly, tummy.
straigstrike.
struaigileirstranger. (From straggler perhaps.) Co na straigileirean tha sud.
blas-a-chnagain‘sour taste’. Ghabh mi blas-a-chnagain dhe.
pliuthaganlittle slabs [sic] [slaps?]. Bi [sic] mi toirt dha pliuthagan – wee skelping to a child.
dàitseir, pl. dàitseireanmouthfuls, gulps. Ghabh e dàitseirean dhe.
fuailit’poultice (as the word appears to me colloquially).
fuar-lit’poultice.
fuarlitepoultice.
fuailit’(e)poultice. (Pronounced without the e.) Instance of the ‘r’ being dropped or dismissed in the pronunciation.
fiataidhquietly.
sgiuchadha twist in a leg causing pain, or a twist in a muzzle.
bharr-an-ucaoff the shoulder blade.
strap-luchmouse trap.
strap-rodanrat trap.
droch-bhialabuse.
cuideas(got) rid.
cleit(also) for fastening ropes on (boat).
aitheamh6 feet length of rope.
mile-maranautical mile.
sgubairopening in a boat’s side by the gunwale to allow the water to run from the deck back to the sea, as in the event of the boat taking spray or seawater on board when in as storm; scupper.
buttsbits; steel fasteners or wire leads, etc. on board a ship.
diùd(obstinate), shy, awkward.
dùrobstinate (and/or) stubborn.
diùg, dug, dug!(interj.) calling the hens.
mosgmusket.
larach-ceann-coisefootprint. Làrach ceann-coise [sic], anns an t-sneachda neo air an t-sneachda.
tòrr-buachairheap of cattle dung.
tòrr-luachairclump of bulrushes.
damhasgfool.
cnaimheana little bone; small skinny person.
claoicclown.
sgiusaircareless female (unaccented). I have heard this word used.
sgiùsaircareless female. [See sgiusair.] (also this one accented)
sgialtsense. Cha’n ’eil sgialt sgur aige.
rèilerail.
rèilereel, wind.
sgliatairslater. Dòmhnall sgliatair.
sgliatslate. Sgliat Baile Chaolais.
briceabrick(s).
breicebrick(s).
tocsaid-aoillime barrel.
tocsaid-uisgewater barrel, for storing water.
Mol-na-tocsaidplace-name, Scalpay.
cill(e)graveyard. Aird-na-cille – place-name, Scalpay.
còmansthe upper part of the fish hold of a fishing boat or the hold of a fishing boat. (Scalpay)
uthaneggs. I have been told that this term for eggs was used in Gairloch, Scotland? The above word isn’t used in Scalpay. All other words I have noted are words and terms etc. used on Scalpay but for one or two etc. relative of or to the Island of St Kilda. I am trying to remember and collect the ones used on Scalpay, in the past and present, meantime.
uigheaneggs. (Scalpay) [See uthan.]
shéinechain.
sùradh(also) slack tide by the shore.
teine-fòidthe peat from the fire burning on the sickle (or any convenient item) was stuck in it to serve as a handle etc. and the burning peat as a lantern on a dark night, Highland of Scotland.
teine-ceann-foid[sic] [See teine-fòid.]
ceann-an-fhòidthe early ‘replicas’ of past years towards lantern method of lighting.
ceann-taobhain, pl. cinn-taobhainside (timbers) timmers in a boat.
ceann-beag, pl. cinn-bheagatop timmers in a boat.
ceann-beag or cinn-bheaga(also) additionally nailed to a boat when under repairs.
shitsheet, (sail of a boat), the ‘stern’ rope of a sail at the point where it is pulled in in the stern to tighten the sail, 1. or at the point of the bottom edge of the sail in the stern of the boat, 2. at the point between the outer edge of the sail and the bottom edge in the stern of the boat.
lobht’-a-bhallaistethe flooring in a fishing boat over the ballast.
cothorm-fìlidhall opportunity. Fhuair e cothorm-fìlidh.
cothorm-labhairteloquency. Tha cothorm labhairt aic(e) tha comasach.
ribleagachloose ends.
ribleachadhgetting loose ends.
riaslachmuddle movement. Nach h-e tha riaslach – mixing sort of motion.
riaslachpredicament sort of movement, mangling.
plaosgairemodest dull person, dullard.
plaosgadhpeeling. (common words)
tigh-cùilscullery. Bheil tigh-cuil [sic] a mach ás.
sgiutha, pl. sgiuthachancement or lime ‘strips’ or ‘runs’ on the end edges of stone buildings, crow-steps etc.
uinneag-cùilback window.
bocsa-na-litricheanletter-box.
aghaibh!(interj.) when a person gets hurt.
fadharta serious hurt (old word). Fhuair thu fadhairt [sic] – when a boy falls and hurts his knee etc. ‘seriously’. Perhaps it takes the ‘i’ grammatically: I think so.
fathairt[See fadhart.]
slaicbadly hurt by someone with an instrument, etc. or a piece of wood falling, anything causing a hurt.
torraa joiner’s bit for boring through wood.
torragh[See torra.]
prasbrace (joiner’s).
preis-liteadhporridge pot.
preis-lite[See preis-liteadh.]
preis-bhrochaingruel pot.
panapana [sic] [pan?] (utensil).
Panaidhpersonal name, Bannytine.
matmat.
turabanturban.
micsigeadhmixing.
micseadh[See micsigeadh.]
cuibheal-shniomhspinning wheel.
muilean-bhleithgrinding mills.
taisealachgood distribution, going a long way, considering what was to be done with it, it has done more than I considered: any item, food, paints, etc. Nach e tha taisealach. (Scalpay)
taisealachdof good amount in a considerable distribution.
log(hd)airlocker (boat).
loc(hd)airlocker, etc.
locairjoiner’s plane.
stutarrato be so exact attitude. Feumaidh tu bhi air do stutarra – stern.
stuttaradh[See stutarra.] As in the case of some clergy in your company. (Scalpay – still in use word.)
staranach(adj. of staran [q.v.]) place abounding with stepping stones, as an islet on a loch with the shallow channel in between almost filled with stones as in the case of schoolboys etc. constructing ‘stone causeways’ to get across to discover bird’s nests.
staranstepping stones.
ultaicheanwell sized stones, etc.
ultachof a good size. Tha ultach mhath innte – in terms of weight.
amhraiclook. A dhuin’ amhraic orm.
amharclook.
cràcalas(with) crackling. B’ann le cràcalas a thug mi air a dheanamh – the wife approaching her husband uses this term to denote how difficult it was to make him do it, the job.
meadhrachmerry.
teadhrach(adj. of the tether). Fad na teadhrach. (Scalpay)
dragailannoyance, nuisance.
drèipdrip, as treacle dripping from a container or a child’s mouth. May have an equivalent to reap or rèip.
rèipstain.
reapstain. Reap air do bhial – the current rendering of the word as in this context.
reip[See reap.]
rannairesongster, a person applicable to verses, singing verses, verse or two of different song not having the complete song. Rannaire uamhasach h-ann. Something like duanaire, perhaps similar but not quite. Duanaire is a most adjustable and a more stationary in this musical category.
méilicheanmails.
màilichmauling, battering. Thug e màilich air.
cobhraigeadhcovering.
cuibhrionportion.
cuibhrigebed cover. Cuibhrige leabadh. Tha e fo’n chuibhrige.
cuibhleircoiler. Tha e ’na chuibhleir againn anns a’ bhàta – a boy hand in a fishing boat as a coiler, for coiling the rope, the tarred rope (spring), to which the nets are fastened.
cuipwhip.
cupallcouple.
cadsair(also) fish retailer. A bheil an cadsair a bhos ’n diugh. (still in current use.)
gadsaircustoms.
cadsair[See gadsair.] (Perhaps word used like for customs, as I may have noted previous.)
sgian-imeleigfor cutting umbilical (I am not sure if I have the word correct, my memory only serves me) cord. I have already [noted?] as uncertain as to its meaning: this is it, in medical operation, or maternity operation.
laoigteirlighter (boat), oar type of boat, for discharging from a vessel to a pier etc.
eithear-ràmhoar(ed) boat.
slige-bàirnichshell of a limpet.
slige-a-chinnshell of the human head.
slige-a-chreachainnscallop shell.
sligean maoraichshells of shellfish.
sligeweights, weight measures as in a shop. Cuir air ’n t-sligidh e.
slat-bheòilthe upper part of a gunwale of a boat, a ‘rod’ fastened to the gunwale. Chaidh i direach air a slait-bheoil [sic] – boat under sail listing heavily.
tonn-dile-lathanever the day.
buthadhbow. Feumaidh tu buthadh dha; neo cha mhor nach fheum thu buthadh dha.
bàcaback rope; of a fishing net. (I have noted this word on former pages, and I think the word has originated from back/back rope.)
bàca-linnback rope. [See bàca.]
druimback rope. [See bàca.]
druim-linnback rope. [See bàca.]
còir-bàirnich‘limpet’s right’, no right whatsoever. Cha’n ’eil còir bàirich [sic] aig oirre. (Scalpay)
madadhdog. Nach b’e madadh e. – as in the case of a person acting in a rude, unsophisticated way.
bàrr-a-chorraganon his fingertips.
bàrr-a-theangaidhon the tip of his tongue.
trompa-gun-teangaa mouth harp without a tongue (literally). Mar trompa gun teanga – in complete silence.
tomhais-de’n-fhìrinnpart of the truth.
gun bhliochd gun bhàrrwithout milk or cream (literally). (Idioms?)
sgoitseir(also) an economical proning [sic] [probing?] female, thriving from the unusual, keen to find, etc. (Perhaps from the word Scottish being interested in saving.)
salach-na-sitigeanrefuse of the middens. (Idiom?)
dùn-salachairdun [sic] of dirt. (literally)
air-an-t-sùilon the spot (literally on the eye). (Idioms?)
gothadhjerk when peeping as a boy over the side of the boat and gives a jerk and goes over the side into the sea.
corradaireachdpeeping over the side of a boat at sea. Bha e corradaireachd tha [sic] a cliathaich.
sgriutha(propeller) screw, reference to a propeller of an engine.
taoighdtide.
busancheeks; (also) a boat of unusual width showing rather ‘swollen’ when looking direct from the stem toward the stern. Nach ann oirre a tha na busan.
bòmboom, the protruding pole from the top part or stem of a sailing vessel or boat.
làmh-na-bucaidhandle of the bucket used in a boat for drawing water from the sea.
tonn craosachcrested wave. (decription versions)
tonn air thonn(description versions)
léiceisleeks.
briscean, pl. brisceinroots. (I know the vegetable or ground eatable produce but I am afraid I cannot give you the very word for it in English at the moment. They can be rooted from the ground. I have already noted the word on a previous page.)
brisgeidbiscuit.
buinneagangarden produce, of the leek ‘family’? ’S toigh leis an duin’ agam buinneagan, duilleagan ’s toigh leis ’n duin’ agam duilleagan càil? I am not, I am afraid, at the moment prepared to say what is the English equivalent?
duilleagan càilcabbage leaves.
fungaisfungus.
stachdag[?] a little hold or shelf in a rock.
rèbeanachwee cod.
rèbeanach ruadhwee cod [see rèbeanach] (but of brownish colour).
bodach ruadhwee cod. Bodach ruadh beag ’s bodach ruadh mór.
bodachwee cod. Not referred to in Scalpay as the cod species, but that’s does [sic] mean it’s wrong to use it solely, as the adjective come with it in Scalpay, perhaps there are some who use it when referring to fish. ’S docha gu faigh sinn bodach. – I think this phrase is more attributable to ‘Skye’? Rèbeanach [q.v.] may have originated from reip ris a bhial aige?
innealan-iasgaichfishing tackle.
dubhain-le-iteanfeathered hooks.
dubhan-lombare hook (fishing).
truaghagpoor female. Truaghag bhochd. Very seldom used on Scalpay by the natives of Scalpay. I think the word may have been used on Lewis. We say ‘truaghan’ (male) on Scalpay. It (truaghag) may have been spoken or used years and years back on Scalpay, but I am afraid not now.
cleamhana person (male) with the ‘disgust [sic] form of illness.
cleamhCha mhor nach tug e chleamh orm.
glaodh-nam-bròina wailing towards a missing person, or rather missing a person. Tha glaodh-air-tighinn – a welcome phrase towards a friend, Scalpay. (This is my definition of it, perhaps you have other explanations?)
tinneas-gàldachinfectious disease.
tinneas-cuimdiorea, dyorea [diarrhoea]. (I am not sure of the spelling while I am writing of the English word: see above.)
a com aige ruith[sic] dysentery symptom.
fìsiglaxative.
clìreadhclearing.
aoidhseadhausting [sic] [hosting?]. (perhaps noted already)
maoileasincoperating [sic] [incorporating?] friendship, or my friendship with you or for you. Bu tu maoileas. It may have come through the ‘channel’: m’ aoigh leatsa… I think so. Perhaps it’s occasionally heard on Scalpay yet.
mothart‘bark’ or give a loud report. Thug e ’m mothart sin ás – retort.
mothaichnotice. Do mhothaich thu dhà.
mosgaid(also) monster. Thog e mosgid [sic] mhor cloiche gu fhiachail orm.
moscaid (c – hard sound)monster. [See mosgaid.] I think this is a better spelling as to the pronunciation.
nuallanlowing of cattle.
muallanlowing of cattle. [See nuallan.] An attentive hear [sic] [ear?] could also find this pronunciation with some.
nualaich(verb) lowing of cattle.
mullaich(verb) lowing of cattle.
scràbairescrapper or scrap collector.
sgramhaguntidy female.
sgramhag(also) scum.
sgramhalachddisgustfulness. (Scalpay pronunciation)
sgreamhalachddisgustfulness. [See sgramhalachd.]
lomarrabare, plain. (Scalpay)
lomadhshearing. A’ lomadh nan caorach.
clach-lionrathgrinding stone.
clach-bhleithgrinding stone.
leamhimpudent.
geinnwedge.
giobalana wee person. Giobalan beag suarach.
cairtireachdcarting.
cadsaireachdretailing fishing, selling fish.
cliùachdaira piece of wire with hooked ends used in the process of mending fishing nets.
cliùchdairnet mender (fishing nets). Tha cliùchdair math agad neo ’s e cliùchdair math th’ann. (Scalpay)
cliùgailhiding by bending behind a wall.
clapanachadhpatting as patting him on the shoulders.
labhrachtalkative. Àrd labhrach – high pitch of voice.
smùidpithy constant effort toward work, etc. Smùid aca air seinn, neo smùid aca air iomaradh.
smùid(also) drunk, intoxicated. Ghabh e smùid ann an dé. (Scalpay)
iomaradhrowing. (Scalpay)
iomradh[See iomaradh.]
inneal-marbhaidhkilling weapon.
innealan-cogaidhweapons of war.
trom-neulachheavy sad appearance.
fileadh(also) interwoven. Tha sin a’ filleadh ann iomadh nì.
filleadh[See fileadh.]
dreannadhnote, sound. Cha ’eil [sic] mi cluinntinn dreannadh.
deannanwee portion. Deannan ime (Scalpay) or deannan càis.
an crochadh risdependent; dependent on him.
goisdinhair, particle of hair. Cha téid goisdin dhe fhalt gu bràth a dhi.
croiseagadhcrossing.
sgriostedestroyed.
sgadaradhscattering.
sgabaisteachadhscattering, breaking apart. ’G a sgabaisteachadh ás a chéile.
bànfair; white; desolate. Talamh bàn. Nighean bhàn. Dath bàn.
sgrota wee or small patch of earth or soil, or a small croft; a place-name (Harris).
Eilean an-abaichplace-name. (Harris)
an-abaichalmost an island, not exactly separated with a channel, etc.
ni’girl, as thus: Anna-nì’[sic]-Iain.
nicgirl, as thus: Fionnghala-nic-Dhòmhnaill.
Flòraidh(personal name) Flora.
Fionnghala(personal name) Flora.
còindeachmoss. (Scalpay pronunciation)
còinneachmoss. [See còindeach.]
càbhailshort of breath.
ceilinnconceal. *Cia uime a ceilinn neo có mu ceilinn. The underlined words [i.e. có mu ceilinn] are the Scalpay version. * [i.e. Cia uime a ceilinn?] may have been an earlier version on Harris.
bufalairbuffalo. An e bufalair th’ann. A term used to denote if it’s bufalar [sic] meat, which (used to be) was consumed in the Highlands of Scotland years back.
bubhalair[See bufalair.]
bualabhair[See bufalair.]
lainteirlantern.
labhag, pl. labhaganan old boot.
labhagan-bhrògold boots.
lofloaf.
sgoilleagblow.
sean-mhaor-eòlach(Gaelic term, Scalpay) ‘old acquaintance’ with work, or well acquainted with work, noticeable with a person approaching some work, with which people don’t know what until he shows he can master it: thus described in this.
RodagRoda or Rodina, personal name.
gloine-leughaidhoptical lens for reading.
curaistestamina.
criosachembers.
criochailstaying constant bordering at or in the one area.
griochail[See criochail.] Same word but for the variation in the accent form of colloquial approach.
gibilishgabbling. I have heard this word from an individual not on Scalpay, and I am not prepared to say in what place the word was used or if [is] still used, probably, but I think it may have been used on Skye, according to my recollection of hearing it.
eadhonadhattempting, fidgeting.
tuamhnalaichdizziness. (Scalpay)
tuanalaichdizziness. [See tuamhnalaich.]
leth lamh[one word?] one hand.
leth bholla[one word?] half bowl. Leth bholla mhin flùir, neo leth bholla corca.
bolla-minebowl of meal, bowl of flour or a bowl of oatmeal.
bolla-mineadh[See bolla-mine.]
bolla-min-chorcaa bowl of oatmeal.
bollaidbollard for tying or fastening ropes on (boat) at a pier.
poca-minebag of meal (pog of meal).
pocaswelling. Tha poca fo do shùil. (May have come likewise as bòc, blister, swelling, air bocadh, etc.)
drugaistedruggist.
coranremnants. Coran snàth.
ghib-ghoibyip-yap.
peneisteachpenal, difficult, penance. ’S e obair pheneisteach th’aige.
peneistepenance.
clistera big person, male.
surragpuddle, soft ground. (perhaps I have noted these two [i.e. clister and surrag] also already)
surag[See surrag.]
soilleireadhmark. Cuiridh e soilleireadh ort.
salaraidhsalary.
sgoil-sheinnschool for teaching tunes.
dusdairduster.
drobhairdrover.
drobhaireachd‘drover work’, work in connection with cattle, selling and buying cattle.
clasp, pl. claspaicheanclip(s), comb for the hair of a female, clipped in her hair.
cliabhcreel. Cliabh feamainn.
cliabhadhcarrying by creel, manual labour by creel. Creel made of twigs, etc. for carrying seaweed manure for the croft.
clapadhclapping, pinching.
clappinch. A fac [sic] thu mar a chlap e e.
caiseanirritable person. Caisean grànnda.
sgiobacrew. Sgioba buain mhònadh.
sgoil-shàbaidSunday school.
deise-shàbaidSunday suit.
brògan-sàbaidSunday boots.
cobharfroth.
cobhar-marasea froth.
cobhar-nan-tonnfroth of the waves.
coigildisturbing, interrupting, enticing to anger. Tha e cuir [sic] coigil ort.
gaolagwee lover, loved wee or small child, a female child.
gaoileanloved boy child.
gaoirshiver. Chuir e gaoir ’nam fheòil.
gaoirwail.
gaoirnoise of ‘wild fire’.
leibhligeadhlevelling.
lidrigeadhslabed [sic] [slapped?] or littered by slabs [slaps?] on the face.
slabanslabs [slaps?], as: Tha e fiachainn slaban orm (a child’s remark).
slimeadhslimming.
boga-sùgain(also) slab-dash [sic] [slapdash?].
suthag(also) gulp. Thug e suthag mhath ás.
sùirtbrisk, energetic.
soidseachthrowing in a forceful manner.
foidseach[See soidseach.]
clonstarmonster. (Scalpay)
soitheach-plastigplastic dish.
mias-phlastigplastic basin.
mias-enamalenamel basin.
tillidhtilley lamp.
lantair-tillidhtilley lantern.
pump-tillidhtilley pump.
burnair-tillidhtilley burner.
mantal-tillidhtilley mantle.
parafanparaffin oil.
parabhan[See parafan.]
ola-nan-càraichean‘car oil’.
ola-nan-einseansengine oil, lubricating oils.
ola-nam-mucwhale oil.
ola-nan-cearbanshark oil.
ola-nan-rònseal oil.
bhan-na-feòlabutcher’s van.
bhan-an-éisgfish retailer’s van.
bhan-a-bhùidseirbutcher’s van.
bial-na-maraseashore.
postpost.
postadhposting.
caoradh dhubhblack sheep.
sgeanstare.
sgeann[See sgean.]
sgeannachstaring look of fright, or frightened look, or scary.
fràsaicha cheeky female, when approached for her, being concerned in some mischief will retort with abuse. ’S ann oirre bha colas [sic] na fràsaich. – the way I heard the word used.
fràsach[See fràsaich.]
fràigchildren at play causing annoyance.
pillepill.
sagsack, dismissed out of work or sacked out of work. Fhuair e sag.
saoighnigeadhsigning.
laoighnigeadhlining, keeping or setting an engine in a boat in a direct line so as to run a straight shaft termed as laoighnigeadh.
linigeadhlining. Tha linigeadh ris an rùm.
striochdstreak. Tha ’n striochd sin ann – that streak is in him.
sgioraglittle time. Cha dean thu sin ann an sgioraig.
rugmat.
tubhailtetable cloth. (Scalpay) (perhaps I have also noted this word already)
dramadram.
dràmadrama.
sgulgaireskulking.
craictecracked, broken, touched, ‘crackers’. (Seldom used on Scalpay if at all. I have heard it from other sources, perhaps visitor coming on the island: it may be used in other places generally.)
soubhestersouvester [sic] [sou’wester?], headgear worn by fishermen in rainy and stormy weather.
aoilskinoilskin.
oiligeadhoiling.
sgagadh‘breakings’, shrink.
gurnanminimum quantity, small amount, worthless small amount. Cha d’fhuair sin [sic] ach gurnan beag.
gaornan[See gurnan.]
smugachmisty. Latha smugach.
feòil-laoighveal, laoigh-fheòil. Feòil-laoigh, Scalpay.
cathtagsmall amount between the fingers as oatmeal. Cuir cathtag mhineadh air. When fish or something boiling in a pot to make it or the water more to the thickness or solidity required, a cathtag mhineadh is suggested but perhaps this is it also: yes! when something in the mixture of gruel is too much of a liquid form, an additional small amount of oatmeal is recommended.
cròcan(also) mitts. (Scalpay)
sogssocks.
sìbligeadhstarving. Tha mi gu sìbligeadh leis an acras. (Scalpay)

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