Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1923-1950
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DAB, n.3 A variant of Eng. daub, in phrs. common dab, plain dab, any person who or thing which is plain, common, ordinary or unpretentious (ne.Sc., Per. 1975). Prob. orig. from crockery with a very plain pattern made by dabbing on splotches of colour.Bnff. 1923 Banffshire Jnl. (24 July):
The quines is a' sae sair prinkit oot noo-a-days, there's nae tellin' the gentry fae the cowmon dab. Abd. 1950:
They're gey plain dab; aathing was plain dab, of food, furniture, people, etc.
