We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

QUEERIE, n. ?Ayr. 1817 D. McKillop Poems 28:
Never mind their gig-me-leeries, Their flatt'rin' speech, whims and wheeries, Just wheel them roun' like whirlin' peeries Till us they care for; An' mind my boy [the Prince Regent], — by quims an' queeries, It's that you're there for.

[The meaning is not clear. The phr. quims and queeries is prob. a nonce formation based on whims and wheeries above, and phs. on n.Eng. dial. phr. quiams and quavers, affected airs or gestures.]

21643

snd