Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FORSMO, v., n. Also firsmoe (Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 49). [fər′smo:]

I. v. To affront, insult (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.). Ppl.adj. forsmo, taken aback, disappointed (Id.).

II. n. An affront, insult (Id.); “a sarcastic rejoinder, an innuendo implying unworthiness; a snub, rebuff; a disappointment, a disagreeable surprise” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh.¹⁰ 1953).Sh.¹³ 1952:
Dat wis him a forsmo I got dis mornin whin da minister cam an da hoose no trig.Sh. 1994 Laureen Johnson in James Robertson A Tongue in Yer Heid 167:
What a mercy it is when fock is telled da truth fae da start. I'm seen mair as wan gettin a braa forsmo fae da records.