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.
IDIWUT, n. Sc. forms of Eng. idiot (Ayr. 1958). Also idewit, idowit, idywit (Rxb. 1875 N. Elliott Nellie Macpherson 163), and in punning form head o' wit. Cf. also Eediot.Sc. 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 138–9:
The man that says that the boxing's the warst o' the twa, is just a damned idiwut.Ayr. 1826 Galt Last of the Lairds vii.:
Then I speert with a flutter of affliction, who it was that she had will't to be my wyfe. “Miss Betty Graeme,” said she, “if she can be persuaded to tak sic a headowit.”s.Sc. 1838 Wilson's Tales of the Borders IV. 342:
Doin summary justice on an ignorant, pretendin idowit.Sc. 1867 N. Macleod Starling xxi.:
Gang about yer business to auld wives and idewits.Dmf. 1898 J. Paton Castlebraes ix.:
Naebody but a born Idi-wut wad ever dream o' drainin' that Waal awa'.Abd. 1931 D. Campbell Uncle Andie 34:
Havers! ye hallirackit idiwut; it maun be there.
