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: 1943-1947
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DEETLE-DOTTLE, adj., v.
1. adj.
(1) Dawdling, trifling (Abd.28 1947).Abd.28 1947:
The new man at the Mains is jist a deetle-dottle cratur.
(2) Confused, muddled (in mind).Inv. 1943 C. M. Maclean Three for Cordelia 77:
It was just yirsel' that first pit me a' deetle-dottle.
2. v. To idle, potter (about).Abd.28 1947:
He's deetle-dottlin' aboot instead o' gettin' on wi' his lessons.
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"Deetle-dottle adj., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/deetledottle_adj_v>
