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General

peerie

What does peerie mean?

Small or little, the Northern Isles equivalent of 'wee'. Also a spinning top.

"A peerie boy came tae the door."

Origin

Insular Scots (Orcadian/Shetlandic), of Norn/Norse-influenced origin.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'peerie' mean?
Small or little. It's the Orkney and Shetland equivalent of 'wee'. It can also mean a spinning top.
Where is 'peerie' used?
Mainly in the Northern Isles — Orkney and Shetland. In Orkney the variant 'peedie' is also common.
Where does 'peerie' come from?
It's Insular Scots with Norn and Norse influence, reflecting the islands' Scandinavian heritage.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.