Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SAGAN, n. Also saggin; saigen. A contemptuous name for a person, gen. implying surliness, uncouthness or clumsiness in build or movements, a rough boorish person (Abd.1 1929). Sometimes applied to animals. [′sɑgən, ′seg-]Abd. 1904 E.D.D.:
That lassie has a sagan o' a temper. Johnny Smith's a coorse sagan. Ye're behavin' like a perfect sagan.Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C. IV.:
A sair saigen — an awful chap (jocularly).Abd. 1950 Huntly Express (3 Nov.):
Weel, ye niver saw sic a saggin as she is, eh, sic a fattie, fat a hillock o' creesh!Abd. 1958 Bon-Accord (18 Dec.) 15:
The aul' sagan wid pit back her lugs, stick oot her snoot . . . an' birze through them, hedges, barbit weer, or nettin' weer.
