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.
Quotation dates: 1895-1931
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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.
