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Spik dictionary

lay

verbaction

Versatile Shetland verb: put or cause

A highly versatile Shetland verb meaning primarily 'to put, place or cause', extended to many local senses: to lay eggs; to turn a boat; to strip off clothes; to cull; to fall (rain/snow); to stop or cease; to speak at length; to strike about; to stock up; to make unfit; to close; to warn; or to render incapable.

Example in use

“Will ye lay the bairn tae bed?”

Pronunciation

Say it like this

/LAY/

Word snapshot

Yes
pronunciation added
0
known variants
common
usage level
Set
origin detail

Origin & context

scotscurrentneutral

Local variations

How “lay” is spelled and said in different parts of Shetland.

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