Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

HIRDY-GIRDY, n., adv. Also hirdie-girdie. Cf. Hiddie-giddie, adv.

I. n. Uproar, confusion, disorder (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Ags., Fif. 1957). Also used attrib.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 151:
Down intill the course, Wi' hirdie-girdie hurly-burly.

II. adv. In disorder or confusion, topsy-turvy (Rxb. 1825 Jam., ‡1923 Watson W.-B.; Ags., Rxb. 1957).Sc. 1818 Scott Rob Roy xiv.:
Ou, just real daft — neither to haud nor to bind — a' hirdy-girdy — clean through ither.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 50:
To the cross o' Anster ran Hirdie-girdie, woman and man.