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: 1864-1895
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GUFF, n.5 In phr. neither guff nor sty(e), nothing at all (Fif. 1825 Jam.). Cf. buff nor stye, id., s.v. Buff, n.5Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxix.:
"But what said Janet aboot it?" "Neither guff nor stye," quoth Tibbie. "Haigh she daurna for the life o' 'r utter a single thrawn syllable."Fif. 1895 "G. Setoun" Sunshine and Haar v.:
When ye neither hear guff nor sty o' a sweetheart for years.
