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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

BUDDO, Buddoo, n. “A term of endearment — generally, but by no means always — addressed to a child” (Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. Ork. Par. (1922) Gl.; 1929 Marw.). Cf. Bodda.Ork. 1908 J. T. S. Leask in Old-Lore Misc., Ork., Sh., etc. I. vi. 221:
Am maistlins forgotten dem bit I aye mind on Murboys. Aye, buddoo, that's dem wha telt dee dem.Ork.1 1920:
Come here, buddo, an I'll gie thee a piece.

[Jak. gives the origin as “Prob. the same word as Icel. budda, which besides meaning purse, is also comm. used of a dumpy person, esp. of a woman.” Marw., however, says: “I think it much more prob. a corruption of O.N. burðr, offspring, which is used in Shet. also in the same sense as budda — ‘my sweet burd,' etc. The ‘r' has disappeared probably through the use of the word in child language.” Cf. Burd, n.1]

4805

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