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.
IRP, v., n. [ɪrp]
I. v. To be continually grumbling or complaining, to harp on (about something) (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Ork. 1958). Gen. with aboot, ipo, ower.Sh. 1892 Manson's Sh. Almanac:
What's da uis o irpin aboot a thing eens dat it's dune?
Ppl.adjs. irpin, grumbling, carping, irped, -id, spiteful, cantankerous (Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 152, Ork.2 1950).Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 11:
Mebbe if he wants me edder bi deth or bi life he'll tink apo' his vexin', irpin tongue dan.
II. n. A peevish, complaining person (Sh. 1958).
[Orig. doubtful. Phs. onomat. with influence from Hairp, v., to harp. Cf. Erp, Orp, Yirp.]
