Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

YALK, v.¹, n. Also yaalk; jalk (Jak.). [jɑlk]

I. v. 1. Of a dog: to bark, yelp (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (14 Oct.):
He fled furt yalkin, wi his tail atween his legs.Sh. 1954 New Shetlander No. 40. 7:
Da dug's yaalkin frae a gjill.Sh. 1972 New Shetlander No. 101. 33:
Guidin dugs an bikks “oot ower!” “in ahint!” ta knowes in a yalkin tird on da wind-baffd hills a Delting.

II. n. A dog's bark, a yelp. Dim. yalkie, a sheepdog (Sh. 1974).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (22 Oct.):
Da yaalks o' da whaalp.