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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.

IMPHM, int. Also im(p)him, imp'm, euphm, imph. An exclam., used with a variety of intonation to indicate attentiveness, decided or reluctant assent, sarcastic agreement, hesitation or the like: well?, really, yes, hm! Gen.Sc. [mm, m, m]ne.Sc. 1844 D. Grant Lays 87:
Dinna say a word at present, Tak' an ook to think, or mair, Gin it's “imphim” Littlefirlot Sall mak' a' the rest his care.
Rnf. 1870 J. Nicholson Idylls 50:
That auld Scotch word “Imph-m”, ye ken it means A-y-e!
Ayr. 1901 G. Douglas Green Shutters xii.:
“Imphm; imphm; imphm; there might be something in that!” nodding his head and stroking his moustache, as he uttered each meditative “imphm.”
Dmf. 1915 J. L. Waugh Betty Grier 27:
“Yes, sir,” “No, sir,” “Ay, ay; imphm!” have so far been the sum-total of his contribution to the conversation.
Rxb. 1921 Kelso Chron. (18 Feb.) 2:
Aye, aye — mebbe — euphm — he may be a' richt, but oh, thae bruits o' offechals.

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"Imphm interj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 28 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/imphm>

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