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.
GORROCH, v., n. Also gor(r)ach. [′gɔrəx]
I. v. To mix, stir about any thing soft or messy: “to mix and spoil porridge, or such food” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 234; Kcb.9 1955), “to mix, as porridge with milk, or to make mud pies” (w.Dmf. 1899 Country Schoolmaster (Wallace) 348, gorrach), to mess about. Also used fig. = to make a mess (of something), to spoil, bungle (Slg. 1900 E.D.D.; Kcb.10 1955).Kcb. 1894 Crockett Raiders vii.:
I had not gone far . . . when one . . . great stot trod upon me and “gorroched” me deeper into the black peat broth.
Vbl.n. gorachan, -en, hard work (m. and s.Sc. 1869 Athenaeum (13 March) 382; Dmf. 1871 N. & Q., 4th Series vii. 143).
II. n. 1. A muddy spot, such as is formed by the trampling of cows (Dmf. 1925 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 27; Kcb., Dmf. 1955); a mess, lit. and fig.Wgt. 1877 "Saxon" Gall. Gossip 327:
There was a great gorrach on the road where they stood, made by the cart wheels.Slg. 1900 E.D.D.:
Ye've made a complete gorroch o' your porridge.
2. An untidy worker, a bungler, muddler (Kcb.10 1955).Gall. 1900 E.D.D.:
She's just a handless gorroch; she never keeps ony place snod.
