Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COOSIE, n. and v. [′ku:zi]
1. n. A challenge to a feat of dexterity or daring (Ags.1 1937). Cf. coordie s.v. Cooard.Ags.(D) 1894 J. B. Salmond My Man Sandy (1899) v.:
Sandy was gien Nathan coosies i' the shop jumpin' ower the coonter wi' ane o' his hands in his pooch.Ags. 1909 Colville 128:
All enjoyed giving each other “fichils” . . . or challenges to difficult feats — the “brags” of Edinburgh and the “coosie” of Arbroath.
2. v. “To show off difficult tricks” (Mry.1 1925).
[Origin unknown. Poss. a reduced form of 'That coos ye!' (see Cow, v.2, 1. (2)).]
