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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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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.

Quotation dates: 1950

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BIRK, v.1 “To give a tart answer, to converse in a sharp and cutting way” (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Phr. to birk up, to bridle up in a huff, to take offence. Per. 1950:
He birkt up when 1 tellt him he was ower auld.

[Prob. from O.Sc. bark, berk, to utter or invite, as with barking. O.E. beorc-an, to bark, O.N. berkja, boast, brag.]

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"Birk v.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/birk_v1>

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