Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SLAG, n.³, v.³ Also slaag; sla. [slɑ:g]

I. n. 1. A slap, swinging blow, “slug”; a beating, drubbing (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (24 Dec.):
I gae her a slaag wi' da eel.

2. A heavy swell in the sea (Ork. 1970).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
The're a filty slag in the sea the day.

3. A heavy clumsy person or thing, a great hulking object (Sh. 1970).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
A great slag o' a wife, a muckle slag o' a boat.

4. An indefinite number, a crowd, swarm (Sh. 1904 E.D.D., a slaag o bairns). Also in reduced form sla (Ib.).

II. v. To hit with a swinging blow, slap, “swipe”. Vbl.n. slagin, a beating, “thumping” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (8 Jan.):
I wid tink little o' slaagin dee afore da mooth.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (10 March):
Doo'd no slaagid Tamy o' da Lees wi' a weet cob.