Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WISHY-WASHY, adj., n., v. Also Sc. forms wishie-washie, weeshie-washie. Sc. usages:
I. adj. As in Eng. Sc. back-formation weeshy, watery, weak; insipid (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 209, weeshie), also fig. without vigour or character.wm.Sc. 1934 J. Bridie Marriage is no Joke (1936) 13:
I'm a poor weeshy softy of a fellow when I'm sober.
II. n. 1. Thin watery drink, as weak tea, small beer, negus (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 481; Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Ork., Ags., Ayr. 1974); watery, insubstantial food (Abd.4 1933).
2. Pl.: circumlocutions, procrastination, humming and hawing, frivolous excuses (Bnff. 1930, weeshy washies; Ags. 1974).Abd. 1787 A. Shirrefs Jamie and Bess i. i.:
Nae wishy washies, lad, lat's hear bedeen, Ye've news, I'm sear, will glad mair hearts than ane.Abd. 1922 Weekly Free Press (7 Jan.) 3:
They maun ha'e some wishy-washy aboot th' maitter: it wid never dee t' jump at wir offer a' at eence.
III. v. To make frivolous excuses, to procrastinate, hum and haw (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 209, weeshie(-washie), Bnff. 1927). Ppl.adj., vbl.n. weeshie-washiean, -in, dithering (Gregor).
