Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BACK-FIRE, v. and adv.

1. v. (See quot.)Abd.² 1932:
When the nipple of a flint lock gun became enlarged and the explosion came backwards, the gun was said to backfire. The term came to be used also when a gun “putted” or rebounded.

2. adv. fig.

(1) Of cattle: off in condition.Sc. 1911 S.D.D. Add.:
In phr. “to gyang back-fire”; used of grazing cattle: to fall off in condition through the failure of grass.

(2) Of persons: away from one's purpose or intention.Bnff.² 1932:
The aul' umman wiz keen on the trip on Setturday nicht, bit noo she's geen back-fire on't.