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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DADDY, Daidie, Dady, n. Sc. usages and forms of colloq. Eng. daddy. [′dɑdi, ′dedi]

1. As in Eng.Sc. 1724–27 Ramsay T. T. Misc. (1733) 92:
O'er benty hill with him I'll run, And leave my lawland kin and dady.Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems 123:
The prettiest ladies E'er stood at Ayr cross, Both them and their dadies To her are but dross.

2. Sc. usages in phr. and combs.: (1) Daddy Cloots, the devil; (2) daddy-lochraig, see Dirdy-lochrag; (3) to be a' their (eer) daddies, daidies, (a) to excel, to be the smartest or foremost (Bwk.² 1948; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., — daidies); known to Bnff.² ( — daddies), Kcb.¹⁰ 1939; (b) to be “more than you bargained for; as much as you can manage” (Ib.).(1) Rnf. 1861 J. Barr Poems 200:
Schules may gang to Daddy Cloots.(3) (a) Lth.¹ 1930:
Heard, e.g. at football matches, when former players were discussed: “Ay, Jock — was a' their daddies at dribblin'.” Also of singers, etc. Also heard in Fife.wm.Sc. 1928 J. Corrie Last Day 60:
“I ken what I'm talkin' aboot,” he told the mother on the quiet, “and your Jamie's gaun tae be a' their daddies.” The mother was proud.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
That callant's a' eer daidies for impetence.