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.
GEEGAW, n. Sc. form of Eng. gewgaw. [′gigɒ, ′dʒidʒɒ]
1. As in Eng., a worthless ornament, a toy (Sh., Ags., Fif., Kcb., Dmf. 1954). Also attrib. Ppl.adj. geegawed, over-ornamented, garish (Kcb. 1954).Kcb. 1896 Crockett Grey Man ii.:
Gee-gaws for the adorning of my person.Edb. 1916 J. Fergus Sodger 25:
Santy Claws Brings geegaws Doon the lum.Lnk.5 c.1930:
She has nae gee-gaws nor gumflours about her.Sc. 1938 M. Innes Lament for a Maker i. vi.:
A bit flimsy geegaw rubbish.Ags. 1944 Scots Mag. (July) 264:
She was a vain little woman, who had a passion for geegaws, and gossip.
2. Used disparagingly of a person: a harum-scarum or stupid person (Lnk. 1952 per Mearns 6). Also in m.Yks. dial.
