We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

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.

BUBBA, n. Cf. Bobbie. [′bʌbə]

1. “Grandfather” (Rs.1 c.1911). Used in Crm. fisher dial.Crm. 1922–1928 Crm. Dials. and Folk-Lore in Rymour Club Misc. III. 79:
“'A polled thee?” [Who cut your hair?] “Bubba.”

2. Extended to mean the devil.Crm. 1933 D. A. Mackenzie in Letter (7 July):
A Cromarty saying was “He's as prood as Bubba” — as proud as the devil.

[Cf. Ger. bube, boy, rogue, knave, and St.Eng. “old boy.” Kluge gives O. Slovenian baba for grandmother.]

4734

snd