Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡KAE, int. Also kay, ke(h); kaigh (Fif.), and reduplic. kay-kay. An exclamation of disapproval, contempt or incredulity, pooh-pooh! (‡Abd. 1959). Used as a v. = to pooh-pooh. Also in n.Eng. dial. [ke:]Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 104:
Ke awa' chapman ye're joking me now.Kcd., Ags. 1825 Jam.:
“Kae wi' your haivers,” away with your nonsense.Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1898) x., xxi.:
“Kay-kay — that's all buff.” . . . “Ye may kay-kay, as ye like.” . . . “Keh, man, what need ye care sae muckle about the country.”Ags. 1857 “Inceptor” Tom of Wiseacre 78:
“Kae,” cried Tibby, “young creatures like you canna fin' the want o' a fire.”em.Sc. 1898 H. Rogers Meggotsbrae 62:
“Kay, kay, awa' wi' ye noo!” chuckled Saunders, fairly charmed with this facetious suggestion.
