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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

DINGER, n.

1. A smashing blow (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai). Also in Eng. dial.

2. “A masterful or vigorous person” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Gsw. 1860 J. Young Selections (1881) 16:
Ay, doubtless ye're a dinger-but my fegs, I'll ding a while ere I ding back my eggs.

3. “A vigorous course of action” (Ib.): gen. in phrs. to gae a (one's) dinger, to do anything in a vigorous, boisterous fashion, to go the pace, go the whole hog (Fif.¹⁴, Ags.¹⁸ 1947; Edb.⁵ 1940; Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 10, — a — ); to gan a bonnie dinger, id. (Slk. 1947 (per Abd.²⁷)).Gsw. 1948 Bulletin (7 May):
“Welcome hame, chaps. Fegs! ye' ve fairly been gaun your dingers,” chuckles Tammy.