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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEE, De, Di(e), pron. Sh. and Ork. forms of Eng. thee (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., die; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), di; Ork. c.1912 J. Omond Ork. 80 Years ago 26, de). Also used for thou, thy. [di(:)]Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 593:
Gùd bliss dee . . . an bring dee weel ta dee nean agen.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl. 163:
A'll haul dee ower da kols for dat.Sh. 1918 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. I. 160:
Whin dey ken as muckle aboot paet wark as dee an I, dey'll ken somethin.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 14, 15:
Taking from a big pack-sheet bag a ship's biscuit, he spread it thickly with Danish butter, and giving it to Magnie, said, “Hae boy, steek dat a dee knev.”Sh. 1952 Robertson and Graham Sh. Grammar 4:
When there is more than one subject-word, me, her, him, etc., are used nominatively:- "Dee an me'll draa up da boat."Sh. 1993 New Shetlander Sep 23:
"My boy," she said "di brakfast is in the western ocean."Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Sit doon an' hild dee a meenit.

Hence deesell, thyself.Sh. 1931 Erty's Dilemma in Sh. Times (21 March) 7/5:
An' foo wid du express deesell?