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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NA, int. An exclam. of surprise, really, indeed, good gracious! (Sh., ne.Sc. 1963). Also in phrs. na an' (there) noo, na sirs, id.Sc. 1720 A. Pennecuik Helicon 76:
Na, that dings all; but it's a Fiction.
Ayr. 1826 Galt Last of Lairds xxii.:
“Na! ” said Mrs Soorocks, taking his offered arm, “this is politeness.”
Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 170:
Na! that goon o' yours sets you aff!
Bnff. 1894 A. Gordon Northward Ho 134, 314:
“Deil a bit! ” “Na, an' noo! ” “Aweel there, aweel! ” burst from various voices. . . . “Na, an' there noo! ” cry the three together.
Sh. 1898 J. J. H. Burgess Tang ii.:
Na, bairns, see ye Inga? Dat's a fair new hat 'at shö haes on.

[Phs. a specialised use of NA, adv.1, = not really! I can't believe it.]

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