Scottish word of the week: Groke

Nope, you're not getting any of this sandwich. Picture: Jane Barlow

“Gies a chip,” is the plaintive (and somewhat aggressive cry) of those who long for a bite of your fish supper, or whatever your deep fried poison is.

It might suffice to call such people greedy or green-eyed, but there’s a much more specific word that would apply.

Groke is an old Scots word that refers to someone who stares at you while you eat, in the hope that you’ll share your meal with them. The word has resurfaced recently thanks to Mark Forsyth, author of The Horologicon, a collection of old, obscure British words. As you’ll have gathered, it hasn’t been in use for some time - but here’s hoping there’s an appetite for its return.

• Scottish word of the day: Plook