Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
NAE, adv.1 Also nee, nei (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Sc. variants of arch. or dial. Eng. nay, no, in neg. replies (Sh., Abd., Ayr., Rxb. 1963). Often reduplicated. Now mostly superseded by Na, adv.1 [ne:]Edb. 1828 M. & M. Corbett Tales I. 83:
“Nae, nae, ye'll get a reasonable price for your goods.” . . . “Do you mean to rob me?” “Nae, nae, tell the truth, man, and shame the deil.”Rxb. 1942 Zai 67:
Nae! I'm no gaun.ne.Sc. 1957 Mearns Leader (17 May):
“Nae, nae,” said The Moler . . . “tae is a' richt.”