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.
RUGGIE, n. Also ruggy; rookie (Marw.). An undersized cod (Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 202); an old cod (Ork. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 96), a large lean cod (Ork. 1922 P. Ork. A.S. 29, Ork. 1950). Also used as a derogatory nickname for an inhabitant of North Sanday (Ork. 1922 P. Ork. A.S. 29). [′rʌgi]Ork.1 1950:
The folk of Burness parish were called “kirners” and they called us of the north “ruggies”.
