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.
Quotation dates: 1791-1816, 1877-1923
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NASH, n., v.1 Sc. form and usages of Eng. gnash. [nɑʃ]
I. n. Impudent or caustic talk, biting remarks (Sc. 1880 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); a chatterbox (Rxb. 1942 Zai, Rxb. 1963). Hence nashie, talkative, chattering (Cld. 1880 Jam.). Cf. Gnash, 2.Edb. 1791 J. Learmont Poems 24:
A bardie ablins can affuird A belder counsel than a laird, Wi' a' his nash.
Comb.: nash-gab, garrulous or impudent talk (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Cld. 1880 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1963). Hence nash-gabbit, impudent or caustic in speech. Cf. gab-nash s.v. Gab, n.1, 4., snashgab s.v. Snash. n.Eng. dial. has gnashgab, nashgob.Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality viii.:
There's the Philistines, as ye ca' them, are gaun to whirry awa' Mr Henry, and a' wi' your nash-gab, deil be on't.Gsw. 1877 A. G. Murdoch Laird's Lykewake 86:
For shame, ye auld nash-gabbit gled! Sic tongues as yours sood aye be tackit.s.Sc. 1897 J. C. Snaith Fierceheart xii.:
It's nashgab on the pairt o' him, ye ken, tae say he was "perticular fou'."
II. v. To talk in a pert, impudent, or caustic manner (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Ppl.adj. nashin, chattering, pert (Ib.), vbl.n. nashin, (i) = I. (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1963); (ii) in pl., a loquacious or cheeky person (Ib.).Rxb.1923 Watson W.-B. 218:
Dinna nash ti me. A nashin' wee brat.
