Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡FOODIN, n. Also fodin, fudin (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); futen (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Fishermen's tabu-name for a cat (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Ork. 1884 R. M. Fergusson Rambles 166; Sh.12 1952). [′fudən, ′fut-]Sh. 1924 T. Manson Peat Comm. III. 180:
Da coo wis caad da “boorik,” an da cat da “foodin.”Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 14. 21:
Even the sea-words kissick or foodin were almost taboo, as fishermen had a peculiar loathing for cats.
