Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BOBBY-DAZZLER, BABYDOOZLER, BAUBY-DOOZLER, BAMMYDOUZLER, n. [′bɔbi′dɑzlər, ′bǫbi′duzlər, ′bɑm′duzlər]
1. “Something startling, something showy or striking” (Bnff.2, Ayr.8 1935, bobby-dazzler). Lnl.1 1930:
Heard frequently in the form bammy-douzler meaning something which causes great surprise to the beholder — e.g. “That gravat's a fair bammydouzler”; seems also to indicate rather too much “show” at times.Lnk.3 1930:
I know “bauby-doozler.” I have heard it used of a good drive at golf. [Also used at bowls.]Lnk.4 1930:
Man, it's a fair babydoozler.w.Dmf. 1908 J. L. Waugh Robbie Doo (1914) ii.:
And' at last, wi' a perfect bobby-dazzler, he landed trampie yin below the jaw that made him spin like a peerie.
2. See quot. wm.Sc. 1955 Bulletin (17 Jan.):
"Bobby-dazzler" had a very wide popularity. It was applied, for one thing, to a special kind of large marble-a glassie with whorly markings-and also to large, shining "gob-stoppers" sold in wee sweetie shops in back streets for two a penny.
