Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COFFEE, n. In phr. to gie (someone) his coffee, to scold roundly, to chastise (someone); cf. slang Eng. to give (someone) beans. Gen.Sc. [′kɔfe]Sc. 1895 N. Roy Horseman's Word viii.:
“I'll gie him's coffee for yon trick!” . . . A shrill scream from the person who was getting his coffee showed what sort of larking was going on.Edb. 1931 E. Albert Herrin' Jennie 150:
I wasna long in giein' him his coffee.
