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.
SMOOK, v. Also smu(c)k; sm(j)ug (Jak.). [smuk; Sh. + sm(j)ug]
1. (1) intr., freq. with about: to slink or sneak about, to go about furtively, on the hunt for something to pilfer, to prowl (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Sh., Fif., Lnk., Ayr. 1970). Ppl.adj. smookit, smuket, sly, crafty, cunning (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Adj. smookie, pilfering, thievish (Sc. 1825 Jam.), sly (Lnk. 1970).wm.Sc. 1854 Laird of Logan 430:
You smukit gauger's colley that you are.Ayr. 1927 J. Carruthers A Man Beset 48:
You've been smookin' roon a lassie in these parts whan I wasna by.Sh. 1967 New Shetlander No. 83. 25:
Back I smucket doonstairs.
(2) tr. to put away out of sight, to hide, conceal (wm.Sc. 1880 Jam.); to hug something secretively to oneself (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He smjuged it till him.
(3) refl. to take oneself off unobtrusively, to steal away quietly (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He smjuged him awaa or aff.
2. (1) tr. To draw on or off (a garment or the like) “as a glove or stocking” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), smjug, 1914 Angus Gl.); to bandage (a finger or limb) (Sh. 1970). Hence smookie, smuki, smug(g)i, a woollen (under-)shirt, an oilskin smock, pullover (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Smug aff dee! pull off your clothes. He smuked a bag ower my head.Sh. 1955 New Shetlander No. 41. 14:
He pits on da Fair Isle jumper an da oil smookie.
(2) intr. of a garment: to slip down (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).
[A variant of Smoo, q.v., in which the guttural has been retained. The distribution of the word is unusual.]
