Bigsie (adj) (Scots)
big-zee
Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance; arrogant, pretentious, conceited.
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Aberdeen Weekly Journal. From big + Scots -sie, suffix forming adjectives with the sense ‘somewhat, rather’.
Example sentences
“I’ve had enough of his bigsie blether.”
Comity (noun) kom-it-ee Mutual courtesy; civility. First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin cōmitās, equivalent to cōm(is) “affable” + -itās -ity (more…)
Zetetic (adj) zet-et-ik proceeding by inquiry or investigation. First recorded in 1650–60 and comes via the New Latin word zētēticus, from Greek zētētikós, “inclined to investigate or inquire.” (more…)
Kinkeeping (noun) kin-keep-ing The labour involved in maintaining and enhancing family ties, including organizing social occasions, remembering birthdays, sending gifts, etc. First recorded in 1975–80. Formed from the words kin,…
Quango (noun) kwan-go (especially in the United Kingdom) a semipublic advisory and administrative body supported by the government and having most of its members appointed by the government. First recorded…
Fjeld (noun) fyeld a rocky, barren plateau of the Scandinavian peninsula. From Norwegian, dating back to 1855–60. Similar route to fell. (more…)
Subterfuge (noun) sub-ter-fewj An artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc. First recorded in English around 1565–75 and comes from the Late Latin…
Fard (verb) fah-rd To apply cosmetics to (the face). First recorded around 1400–50 and comes from an Old French noun that derived from the verb farder, meaning “to apply makeup.”…
Apiarist (noun) ay-pee-a-rist A beekeeper. One who keeps an apiary. First recorded in 1810–20; apiar(y) + -ist (more…)
Juggernaut (noun) jug-er-nawt Any large, overpowering force or object, such as war, a giant battleship, or a powerful football team. First recorded in 1630–40, but in the highlighted sense, around…