Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TRIP-TRAP-TRUISKY, n. comb. Also -truscae, -trullyo, treep trap trosky (Cai.). The game of noughts and crosses (Cai. 1921 T.S.D.C.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Ork., Cai. 1973). [′trɪp′trɑp ′trøski, -′trøljo]Ork. 1929 Marw.:
In Harray when one wins at the game of ‘noughts and crosses' the cry of victory runs: ‘Trip-trap-trullyo, the coo's cruiked horn.'Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 138:
Whin dis uncan man geongs awa, we'se hae a game at trip, trap, truscae.
