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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.

SMIRK, n.2 A kiss (Mry., Abd., Ags. 1970). Dim. smirkie in phr. to play at smirkie, to make love.ne.Sc. 1786 Edb. Ev. Courant (12 Dec.):
Ye say ye are a wat-mow'd birkie, And wi' the lasses play at smirkie.
ne.Sc. 1884 D. Grant Lays 99:
Most met the lads wi' ready mou's Altho', instead o' ae bit smirk, They happened to get twa.
ne.Sc. 1888 D. Grant Keckleton 10:
A couthie smirk o' my lips cud at ony time bring wooers ding-dang to my door.

[Orig. doubtful. Phs. due orig. to contextual confusion with Smirk, n.1, but there may also be some influence from smirikin, Smuirich, and Smack.]

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