Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1950
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†BIRK, v.1 “To give a tart answer, to converse in a sharp and cutting way” (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Phr. to birk up, to bridle up in a huff, to take offence. Per. 1950:
He birkt up when 1 tellt him he was ower auld.
