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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.

SLAM, n.1, v. Also slaum, slawm, and deriv. slammach. [slɑm]

I. n. 1. Slime, anything of a slimy, sloppy or oozy consistency. Hence slaumy, slimy, slobbery, viscous.Abd.15 1928:
We redd a lot o' slaum an' goor oot o' the stank . . . a curn laves o' slaumy puddock-croot.Abd. 1952 Buchan Observer (22 April):
Awa' wi yer slaumy pottage. Gie me a gweed bicker o' brose.

2. In deriv. slammach, freq. in pl.: gossamer, spiders' webs in grass or in the air (Abd. 1825 Jam.; Bnff., Abd. 1970).Abd. 1968 Fraserburgh Herald (28 June) 3:
A' that slammachs on the girse.

II. v. Appar. to carouse, to tipple heavily.Bnff. 1787 W. Taylor Poems 99:
But wow! he has a dreadful drouth Whilk slawmin canna put awa'.

[M.L.Ger. slam(m), mud, mire, soft wet earth. For I. 2. cf. L.Ger. schlammatje, id., and for II. L.Ger. schlämmen, Du. slemmen, slempen, to carouse, go on the spree.]

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