Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1933
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BORGUE, n. A parish on the western shore of Kcb. Bay, the name of which has passed into one or two accepted phrases (see quots.). Cf. ne.Sc. "Go to Buckie!" [bɔrg]Kcb.1 1933:
"Go to Borgue" expresses only good-humoured impatience with one who has used ridiculous or trifling arguments in a friendly discussion — arguments to which there was no sensible reply.Kcb.1 1933:
"Out of the world and into Borgue" is still quite common here . . . meaning that Borgue is a primitive place where anything odd or curious might be found. A native of Borgue took it to mean that in Borgue one would find rest and peace.
Comb.: Borgue-hinnie, Borgue honey. "This article is of such good quality, that the fame of its excellence spreads far and wide. In London there is a sign, with Borgue-hinnie for ever, wrote on it" (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 86).
[From O.N. borg, a fort or fortified hill.]
