We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

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.

YIM, n.2, v.2 Also yem. [jɪm]

I. n. A thin film or coating on the surface of anything, a scum, a layer of dust, condensed vapour, or the like (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 213; Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.); a smudge, stain or streak of dirt on a surface.Abd. 1961:
A yim roun your neck. What a yim at claes hes at's hingin o' that tow!

II. v. To cover or become covered with a thin film, scum or froth (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 213). Vbl.n. yim(m)in, yemin, a superficial layer or coating (Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 200). Dim. yiminie.Abd. 1931 Abd. Press & Jnl. (30 Jan.):
Speaking of the lack of cream in the milk of one of her cows, a goodwife says, “It's jist a thin yim,” or a “yiminie.” “There wis a yimin o' ice on the water i' the mornin'.”
Abd. 1955 People's Friend (15 Oct.):
When potatoes were frothy on top just before they came to the boil, Granny used to say they were “yimmin.”

[Variant form of Aim, Eem, n.1]

29986

snd