Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡BLASTIE, n. “A shrivelled dwarf, an ill-tempered or unmanageable child or animal, a term of contempt” (Bnff.², Gsw.² 1934).Ayr. publ. 1800 Burns Inventory (Cent. ed.) II. 22–23; Ayr.⁴ 1928:
The fourth's a Highland Donald hastie, A damn'd red-wud Kilburnie blastie!Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 74:
Blastie. Any ill-disposed youth. [Small and very evil-favoured. Curriehill.]Kcb. 1894 S. R. Crockett Raiders vii.:
Yae word, ye crawlin' blastie, an' I'll let the life oot o' ye!Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Sketches, etc. of Wgt. 386:
A burly tradesman came up to the worthy Bailie, and seizing him by his coat collar, gave him a shake, saying “Awa' hame oot o this, ya blastie, or ee'll be trampit tae death.”