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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SKIMP, v., n. Also shkimp-, skyimp-, skjimp; skim (Ork.). [sk(j)ɪmp]

I. v. tr. and absol. To poke fun (at), to banter or indulge in raillery (with), mock, speak sarcastically (about) (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., skjimp; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1970). Ppl.adj. skimpin, joking, scoffing (Edm.). Phr. to hae gotten on one's skimpin-shune, id. (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 593:
Ta gaar aa da fokk i wirr ples ta tink it I wiz skimpin demm.Sh. 1862 Shetland Advert. (3 Nov.):
I tought Adie wiz only skimpin' me.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (19 May):
Doo wid only skjimp an' laugh.Sh. 1931 Shetland Times (14 March) 7:
I nivir wis muckle o' a een fir skjimpin' ony unkan body.

II. n. Raillery, good-humoured banter, mild sarcasm or mockery (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Hence skimpfoo, skyimpy, sarcastic (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 93:
Dy skimp is wilcome.Sh. 1879 Shetland Times (2 Aug.):
Nane ever heard a shkimpfoo wird frae dem.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (15 May):
Skimp, I can tell dee, düsna suit dee.Sh. 1950 New Shetlander No. 20. 25:
Da sam auld fun and skimp.Sh. 1968 New Shetlander No. 84. 18:
I tocht him very skyimpy.