Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BIRD, n.2 A lady, a girl (often used familiarly or slightingly). [bɪ̢̈rd + ɛ + ʌ]Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality xli.:
“Peggy, my bonny bird,” continued the hostess, addressing a little girl of twelve years old.Abd.15 1928:
“She's nae a takkin bird,” said of a rather plain-looking woman.Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems and Songs 8:
The great queen o' Sheba, that grand Indian bird.
Phr.: bird and joe, “a phrase used to denote intimacy or familiarity. Sitting bird and joe, sitting cheek by jowl, like Darby and Joan” (Sc. 1825 Jam.2).
Comb.: bird-mouth(e)d, unwilling to speak out, mincing in speech. Given as obs. in N.E.D. and referred to bird (avis).Sc. 1737 Ramsay Proverbs 82:
Ye're o'er Bird-mouth'd.Gsw. 1934 (per Slg.3):
I heard it used by a Glasgow man c.1900: “You're very bird-mouthed.”Ayr. 1868 J. K. Hunter Artist's Life xvi.:
And don't be bird-mouthed wi' him.
