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.
OUCH, int., v. Also ooch, ough. [ux]
I. int. A sound representing a forcible expulsion of breath, a gasp or grunt, used as an exclamation of exertion, pain or disgust. Gen.Sc. Used subst. in 1887 quot.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr. Duguid xx.:
[He] heard the “ough!” of the colliers, as they drave their picks into the wa'.Gall. 1894 Crockett Raiders v.:
There's rats in this hoose, I'll be bound! Ouch, I see yin.Abd. 1932 D. Campbell Bamboozled 28:
Ouch, ye smatchet! There's a haill daud o' ma neck awa' ben wi' the stud.
II. v. As ppl.adj., vbl.n. oughin, oochin, sighing, gently blowing, of wind. See Noohin.Sc. 1891 R. Ford Thistledown 48:
An oughin', soughin', winnin' wind.Sc. 1928 J. G. Horne Lan'wart Loon 18:
An' i' the geth'rin haar an' hush He tent [sic] the oochin' o' the win'.
