Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1771, 1885
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MACKEREL, n. Also mackeral (Lnk. 1903 E.D.D.), mackrel. Sc. Combs. and Phrs.: 1. mackerel-sture, -stor, the tunny, Thunnus thynnus. See Sture, adj.; 2. as clean as a mackerel, completely, effectively, entirely (Ags., Fif. 1962).1. Arg. 1771 T. Pennant Tour 1769 192:
Tunnies, called here Mackrel-Sture, are very frequently caught in the herring season, which they follow to prey on.2. Lnk. 1885 F. Gordon Pyotshaw xvi.:
"Dune as clean as a mackerel!" he roared out.
