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: 1824, 1925
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‡KIM, adj., n.1 Also deriv. kimis (Abd.4 1928).
I. adj. Spirited, frolicsome, lively (Abd., Kcb. 1825 Jam.; Abd. 1960); spruce, nimble, neat, dainty (Abd. 1825 Jam., 1932 Dieth 44, Abd. 1960), occas. of things as well as persons.Abd. 1824 G. Smith Douglas 136:
Ne'er shall we a better story hear, Than that kim banter with the brigs of Ayr.Abd. 1925 R. L. Cassie Gangrel Muse 33:
They're hoochin' an' loupin' as kim as can be.
II. n. A short, slim, smart person (Abd.4 1928).
[Orig. unknown, phs. imit. of quick, alert movement. Cf. Gim, Jim, Mim.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Kim adj., n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/kim_adj_n1>
