Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1921-1953
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‡UPSLAAG, n. Also upshlaag (Edm.), uppslag (Jak.); and reduced forms upslay, upsilly (ne.Sc.). A change in weather, esp. from hard frost to milder conditions, a thaw, gen. associated with rain and a south wind (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak, (1928); Sh., Abd., Kcd. 1973); also defined as a cold, windy day (Kcd. 1921 T.S.D.C.), “a breaking up of fine weather” (Kcd. 1867 Jam., App.). [Sh. ′ʌpslɑg; Abd. ′ʌpsle]Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
An upsilly day is one in which there is neither rain nor frost nor fine weather.Sh. 1953 New Shetlander No. 35. 21:
Hit's göd ta lippen da upslaag, Whin snaa lies lang ida hill.
