Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
QUINKINS, n.pl. Also kinkens.
1. Dregs or leavings of any kind, scum of a liquid (Kcd. 1825 Jam.), charred traces of food which have stuck to the saucepan (Abd.4 1928); “a fry-up after the killing of a pig; tit-bits of any kind” (Ags. 1967).
2. A mere nothing, a worthless trifle (Kcd. 1825 Jam.; Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 196; Abd., Kcd. 1967). Used as an evasive answer to an inquisitive person, esp. a child (Kcd. 1880 Jam., kinkens). Phr. quinkins an' cat's bags, id.
[Orig. uncertain.]
