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.
HECK, int. A call to a horse to turn to the left (Sc. 1887 Jam.; Ags., Clc. 1956); also used as v. and fig. of persons (see quot.). Found in n.Eng. dials. Cf. Hap, v.4, int., Hup.Sc. 1887 Jam.:
A carter's call to his horse when he wishes it to draw towards him, i.e. to turn to the left. . . . A common saying regarding a stubborn, intractable person is, “He'll neither heck nor jee.”
