Scottish Word of the Day: Biddie

Published on 09/07/2012 15:36

As is the case with several Scots words, there are numerous descriptions (both pleasant and unsavoury) for women.

Once used primarily for women in general, especially ones who were ill or unwell, it’s now mainly used to describe elderly women.

The chances are that the word is derived from ‘bidey-in,’ which was once a common term for a live-in lover, or a common law spouse - usually carrying an air of scandal with it.

However, the word is not to be confused with ‘biddy,’ which when preceded by ‘red’, is another term for red wine.