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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.

YO YO, n. Sc. usage: a very small haddock (see quot.).Mry. 1965 Stat. Acc.3 149:
Buyers from Aberdeen were also attracted to the port [Lossiemouth] and were especially interested in the purchase of the smallest sizes of haddock. These were called “yo yos” in Lossiemouth and “pingers” in Aberdeen.

[From the appearance and struggles of the fish on the hook resembling the motions of the toy.]

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