Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SLIPPER, adj., n. [′slɪpər]
†I. adj. Slippery, smooth, difficult to stand on. Obs. in Eng. exc. dial. Hence slipperness, n., smoothness, slipperiness. Obs. in Eng. in 17th c.Edb. 1776 Caled. Mercury (10 Jan.):
To strow ashes before the door, in order to prevent accidents from the slipperness of the streets.
II. n. A slippery state or condition; that which causes slipperiness, ice, slush, etc. (Bnff., Abd. 1970). Also attrib.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 167:
Thir's a haip o' slipper o' the roads.Abd. 1928 N. Shepherd Quarry Wood xvi.:
“Oh, it's nothing,” he answered in haste. “A fall on the ice.” “Ay, ay it'll be a terrible slipper,” Geordie answered.Bnff. 1930:
Sic a clyte ma father got on the slipper fan he gaed oot tae 'is wark in the mornin'.Kcd. 1934 L. G. Gibbon Grey Granite 9:
Here the slipper-side of the pavement took a turn that she knew.
