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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.

WHOOPER, n. Also whuper. A nickname for certain natives of Ayton in Bwk.Bwk. 1856 G. Henderson Pop. Rhymes 39:
“Up wi' the whupers o' Ayton!” is a common saying in the district. The whuppers were a family of excellent dancers.Bwk. 1869 R. Mennon Poems 265:
We lads o' fame, proud o' the name O' the famous Whoopers o' Ayton.

[Orig. unknown ? For hooper, i.e. a cooper in the barrel-factory attached to the distillery which formerly existed at Ayton.]

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