Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
JIRKIE, adj. Also girkie. Variant of Eng. jerky, with transf. application = changeable (m.Lth.1 1948). Also adv.Rxb. 1847 J. Halliday Rustic Bard 196:
Says Jim, “What else cou'd ye expect, Frae ane sae jirkie fickle”.Abd. 1887 Bon-Accord (1 Oct.) 5:
The inns an' oots o' life sae girkie.
