Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COMIC, n, adj. Also coamic.
I. n. A comedian (Bnff.2, Slg.3, Gsw.2 1937). This substantival use of the adj. is obs. in St.Eng., though still current in American Eng. (Webster). [′komɪk]Sc. 1932 Scotsman (12 Jan.):
Throughout Scotland [but chiefly around Glasgow], in Canada and in the United States of America a “comic” is definitely a person such as an actor, artist, or songster (e.g. Harold Lloyd or Harry Lauder).
II. adj. Sc. form of Eng. comic (Fif., Edb., Ayr., Rxb. 2000s).m.Sc. 1988 William Neill Making Tracks 76:
A peetie tes thare's nane o thaim tak tent
o whit the haill shaif o his screivins meant,
insteid o gien thir yearlie coamic turns
in speik faur mair weel-kent in Newton Mearns.
