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.
CHAPPIE, CHAPPY, n. Dim. of Chap, n.1, q.v. N.E.D. says “orig. Sc.”
1. A little boy. Gen.Sc.Fif. 1882 “S. Tytler” Sc. Marriages I., Jean Kinloch ii.:
He's but a wee chappie of three years.
2. Used as chap, but with a greater degree of familiarity, affection or humorous depreciation. Known to Bnff.2, Fif.10 1939.Sc. 1700 in Scotsman (21 Nov. 1934) 15/1:
Such strangely garbed old doddering chappies.Sc. 1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped iv.:
I was far quicker mysel'; I was a clever chappie.Bnff. 1920 J. Mitchell Jeannie Lowrie 6:
Bit “chappies” doon fae Dev'ronside . . . Cou'd aye get faurest ben the hoose.Ags. 1893 Arbroath Herald (20 April) 2/3:
A draper's apprentice-lookin' chappie, a' lichtit up wi' spittles an' shute.Edb. 1811 H. Macneill Bygane Times 33:
I spy'd, cock'd on his business throne, My norland chappy stately sit, And ee me.
