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.
Quotation dates: 1833, 1892-1947
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GOR, n. Also gore; gori(e) (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 68, Bnff.7 1927; Sh., Cai., Abd. 1955, gorrie), gorrie(s). A euphemistic alteration of God, used as an excl. of surprise or incredulity or as a mild oath (Upp. Cld. 1825 Jam., gore; Sh., n.Sc., ‡Ags., Ayr. 1955). Also in such expressions as my gore(y), -gori (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); by gor(r)ie (Cai. 1900 E.D.D., Cai.7 1955); good gorries, gorries be good (Mry.1 1925); gorie me (Gregor; Abd. 1954); be (by) gor (Rxb. 1917 Kelso Chron. (27 July); Rxb., Uls. 1955); by (the) gore, my gor (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb.4 1955); †gore-pate (Rxb. 1825 Jam.). Also in Eng. and Ir. dial.Ayr. 1833 J. Kennedy Geordie Chalmers 63:
Strae's cheap an' sclate roofs are dear, gor I'll try the thack on't yet.Sc. 1892 N. Dickson Auld Minister 130:
If I were to do a' she bids me, gor, she would keep me carryin' water a' day.Sh. 1898 J. Burgess Tang 164:
"My gorey, lass," said Osla, perfectly chuckling with delight, "Whar wis yon?"Rxb. 1916 Kelso Chron. (14 April) 2:
"Twae pound for that [pig]!" exclaims a looker-on. "My gor, ye might as well buy a fat beast."m.Sc. 1947 Scots Mag. (April) 8:
"Gor," says he, "A dinna ken."
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"Gor n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 May 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gor>
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