Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FA, pron. Also fah (Gregor), and erroneously fae (Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary xxvii.). n.Sc. forms of Wha, who, whom, in correct usage only interrog. Sometimes prefixed by the (‡Abd. 1952). Obj. case also †fum, whom. See P.L.D. §§ 122, 134.Abd. 1742 R. Forbes Ajax (1748) 14:
An' 'gin ye speer fa' got the day, We parted on a nevel.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 66:
They wistna fum to send upo' the chase.Abd. 1772 R. Fergusson Poems (1925) 21:
Here Sawny cries, frae Aberdeen; “Come ye to me fa need.”Bnff. 1887 W. M. Philip Covedale 10:
Fa kens fat may be in store for oorsel's.Abd. 1920 C. Murray Country Places 1:
An' faur was his bonnet an' faur was his beets An' fa had been touchin' his claes?Abd.15 1926:
The fa said ye? The fa taul ye that?Cai. 1930 John o' Groat Jnl. (14 March):
“Anither letter — eh? fa is 'at fae?” “Oh, fa but some Caithness boyag.”
Phr.: fa's fa, lit “who's who?”, said when one sees a stranger (Abd.7 1925, Abd.27 1950).
