Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
STICKY, adj. Also -ie, -ey. Sc. forms and usages in combs.: 1. stickie-fingered, thievish, having a disposition to pilfer (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Abd. 1971). Gen.Sc.; 2. stick(e)y-grass, -gress, (1) the rough cock's-foot grass, Dactylis glomerata (Bwk. 1971); (2) goose-grass, Galium aperine (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Wgt. 1971); 3. sticky-Tam(my), id., esp. its seed (Id.; Slk. 1971); 4. sticky Willie, id. (Watson). Gen. (exc. I.) Sc.; occas. applied to sundew, Drosera (Sh. 1971).2. (1) Bwk. 1858 G. Johnston Botany E. Borders 216:
As the leaf feels rough, and does not draw smoothly across the back of their little hands, children call the grass Stickey-grass; and they use it to bleed each other in the tongue.4. Rnf. 1930 A. M. Stewart Stickleback Club 144:
Hedge bestraw, better known as robin-run-the-hedge or sticky willy.m.Sc. 1946 R. G. Nettell Rum & Green Ginger xiv.:
I've got my heart as hopelessly entangled as a sticky-Willie in your hair.Ags. 1990s:
Sticky-willies: n. adhesive seeds of cleavers
