Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1835-1953
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GANGE, v., n. Also ganje, †gaunge, gaunzie [gɑn(d)ʒ, ′gɑnzi]
I. v. 1. To show the gums, hence to grin (Mry.1 1925).
2. "To prate tediously" (Mry. 1825 Jam.; Bnff.4 1927), to chatter; to gossip (Mry.1 1925; Abd.2 1949).Abd. 1898 J. R. Imray Sandy Todd 94:
That hug-ma-hush ganjin' clorach o' a deem, Eppie Mowatt, wha pat oot sic a spin aboot's.Abd. 1932 R. L. Cassie Scots Sangs 8:
The ganjin' kaes an' claikin' craws Are reddin' up their hoose.
†3. "To talk in a pert, silly manner" (Sc. 1880 Jam., ga(u)nge; Mry.2 1927), "to talk insolently" (Abd.6 1913); sometimes with up (Abd. 1825 Jam.).
4. To brag, boast (Sc. 1880 Jam.); to exaggerate, fib.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 59:
He keeps an unco gaungean aboot's ain great deeans.Bch. 1941 C. Gavin Black Milestone i.:
He had long ago put the Frenchman down as having "a ganjin' tongue."Abd.15 1953:
Meggie's midder wis mairriet tull a weeshin o' a mannie, ca'ed Johnnie Shearer, a puffin' ganjin ted.
II. n. 1. A projecting or drooping lower jaw (Abd.27 1954). Hence gangie, -y, adj., having such a jaw; also used as n.Abd. 1835 Abd. Shaver (Oct.) 200:
The third, nicknamed "Gangy," from a prominence of his under jaw.Per. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.:
He has a gey gaunzie, i.e., a twisted or ill-shaped mouth.
2. "Pert, foolish speaking" (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 59), a gossiping tongue.Abd.8 1917:
"Ye've a ganje that wid sair a wife o' sixty" — said to a young girl.
†3. Boasting (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 59, gaunge).
[A voiced form of Gansh, q.v.]
