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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

AFFTAK, AFF-TACK, n. [′ɑftak, ′ɑftək] (See also Aftak, Sh. and Ork.)

1. A “taking off,” mocking remark, jeer. Gen.Sc.Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
Aftak, a mockery or jeering.Sh. 1900 Sh. News 18 Aug.:
If doo wid gie him less aff-tak he widna taer dee sae muckle.Sh.⁴ 1931:
Shu sed yon juist fir an afftak.Mry.¹ a.1927:
Afftak, the act of ridiculing.Fif. 1825 Jam.²:
Afftak, a piece of waggishness, tending to expose one to ridicule.Ayr.⁵ 1931:
He's aye on the afftak. (Of a cynical person.)Kcb.¹ 1931:
He's ower ready wi' the afftak (= satirical joke).

2. A wag, a person given to mockery, a mimic. Gen.Sc.Mry.¹ a.1927:
Afftak, one who ridicules.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff. 7:
Aff-tack, a person who makes a habit of exposing others to ridicule; a wag.Kcb.¹ 1931:
He's an awfu' afftak.

3. A deduction (of wages). See also Offtake.)Fif. and Lth. 1930 Lnl.¹Gsw. 1862 J. Gardner Jottiana 78:
Thae weary aff-tak's - mony a row An' meetin they've had 'boot them.Ayr. 1912 G. Cunningham Verse 43:
When we coonted our afftak's.