Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HAPPY, adj. Lucky, fortunate, auspicious (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Cai., Bnff., Ags., Ayr. 1956). Now rare or obs. in Eng. Hence proverb. phr. a hairy man's a happy man, a hairy wife's a witch (Abd. 1956).Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 62:
Better be the happy Man, than the happy Man's Son. Spoken when a prosperous Man's Son is faln into Want.Bnff. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIV. 541 Note:
There are happy and unhappy days for beginning any undertaking. Thus, few would choose to be married here on Friday, though it is the ordinary day in other quarters of the church. There are also happy and unhappy feet. Thus, they wish bridegrooms and brides a happy foot; and to prevent any bad effect, they salute those they meet on the road with a kiss.wm.Sc.1 1956:
It is said of a housewife: She is happy in her jeels.
