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.
Quotation dates: 1931
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HIMPS, v., n. Also hims (Jak.). [hɪmps]
I. v. To make a sudden jerky movement of the body, as an angry or deranged person, to shrug the shoulders with disdain or annoyance, to flounce (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.).
II. n. A sudden impulsive movement as in rage or contempt, a flounce, a fit of sulks (Ork. 1929 Marw.); a flurry (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Ork. 1931 Orcadian (7 May):
T'o i' da himps 'e gaed is waas an' pat da boona api da horse.
Hence himpy, adj., sulky, ill-humoured, offended (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Appar. ad. Norw. dial. himsa seg, to make wild gestures. See note to Himst and cf. Kims, Imse.]
