Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1894-1958
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SHEEK, n., v. Also scheik, shiek, shick.
I. and nn.Sc. forms of Cheek, the side of the face, the post or jamb of a door, fireplace, etc. (Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 14, 1933 J. Nicolson Hentilagets 25).
Comb. shick-blade, the cheek-bone (Cai. 1904 E.D.D.). Obs. in Eng. See S, letter, 6.
I. n. 1. Sh. usage, in pl.: voluble talk, chatter, garrulousness (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.), sometimes with the implication of insincerity (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., scheik).Sh. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. vii. 270:
If du doesna had de sheeks I'se gie de a gude lunder.Sh. 1916 J. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr (Maerch 31):
It's no sheeks 'at shifts things, i da voar rig.Sh. 1951 New Shetlander No. 29. 8:
Dey wir makkin a goadliss kläg an sheeks.
2. Phr. a shick in the neck, a kind of twist or wryness in the neck (Cai. 1970).
II. v. 1. To set the head, as a bull does when threatening to butt or toss, sc. to turn the face round (Cai. 1904 E.D.D., Cai. 1970). Hence shickèd, ppl.adj., having a wry neck (Ib.).
2. In form sheeks (see I.), Sh. usage: to chatter endlessly, to prate. Hence ppl.adj. sheeksit, voluble, garrulous, derivs. sheeksie, ¶sheeksabister, a very talkative person, a chatterbox (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1894 J. M. E. Saxby Camsterie Nacket 44:
Ye're no' blate to even me to minding what the nacket sheekis.Sh. 1918 T. Manson Peat Comm. 124:
Sheeksin an shargin aboot da Govermint.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 48. 13:
Maggie sheeksed an spak an better spak.
