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.
SLAIP, adj., n. Also slape. [slep]
I. adj. Slippery, smooth, sleek (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1970); fig. of persons: smooth-spoken, plausible, deceitful (Id.). Also in n.Eng. dial. Comb. slaip-moued, smooth-tongued, deriv. slaipie, id.Sc. 1835 Blackwood's Mag. (Oct.) 562:
Doff it, and lo! the slape sconce of the Doctor.Rxb. 1847 J. Halliday Rustic Bard 119, 148:
Fortune, . . . Aul' slaip-mou'd luck! I mean but to address ye . . . Thou rows thy fibber i' thy slaipie cheek.Sc. 1901 Marquis of Lorne Victoria R.I. 48:
The gardener warned her to be careful, as the ground was ‘slape'.
II. n. In dim. form sla(i)pie, a mean-souled toadying or servile person, “a plate-licker” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.). Also in n.Eng. dial. = a sponger.
[Mid.Eng. slape, id., O.N. sleipr, slippery. The word seems to have entered Sc. from n.Eng. dial.]
