Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHAT, n.4 [tʃɑt]
1. A small haddock (Bnff.2 1939). Also used attrib.Sc. 1918 Glasgow Herald (7 Oct.) 8/5:
Haddocks were the best feature of the market, there being fair quantities of chats, kit, and gibbers.Abd. 1917 Scotsman (1 Oct.) 2/6:
Chat haddocks, 52s. to 78s. per box.
2. A small potato (Bnff.2 1939; Ayr.2 1916; Uls. 1924 (2nd ed.) W. Lutton Montiaghisms). Also found in Eng. dial. (E.D.D.).Ayr. 1939 (per Kcb.10):
Old farmer sleeping in church: “Gether up the chats, boys, gether up the chats.”sm.Sc. 1988 W. A. D. and D. Riach A Galloway Glossary :
chats, chits, chuts small potatoes.
