Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1866
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FLODGE, v., n. Also fladge, flotch, flutch.
I. v. To walk in a clumsy, floppy manner, to waddle (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Bnff., Abd. 1900 E.D.D.; Ork. 1929 Marw., fladge; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., flotch; ‡Rxb.4 1952).Deriv. flodgie, a policeman (Fif. 1975).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 49:
There's that flodgin' wife o' his comin' up the street.
II. n. A fat, slovenly person, gen. of a woman (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 49; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., flotch; Bnff.2, Dmf. 1946); a lazy slut (Lth. 1808 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Adj. flotchy, flutchy, lazy, inactive (Lth. 1808 Jam., flutchy), flabby, heavy, clumsy in gait (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., flotchy). Cf. Fladge, n. 2.
[Orig. mostly imit., phs. with influence from obs. Eng. flod, to walk slowly, and Flatch.]
