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.
Quotation dates: 1844-1921
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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.
