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: 1866-1887
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ILL-MOU, n., v. Also -mouth (Sh.).
I. n. Vile language, an abusive tongue, a disposition to use such language (Bnff. 1880 Jam., Bnff. 1958). Ppl.adj. ill-mou'd, impudent, insolent, abusive (n.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Sh., ne.Sc., Ags., m.Lth. 1958).Ags. 1887 Brechin Advertiser (25 Jan.) 3:
Man he's surely an awfu ill-mou'd scoondrel.
II. v. To employ abusive language (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 88). Vbl.n. ill-mouan, abuse.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 88:
The ill-mouan it they ga' the aul' man, wiz past a' spykan.
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"Ill-mou n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 21 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/illmou>
