General
skelf
What does skelf mean?
A splinter, usually in the skin; can also describe a very thin person.
"I've got a skelf in ma thumb aff that fence."
Origin
Scots, from Middle Low German 'schelf' (a thin slice or splinter).
Frequently asked questions
What does 'skelf' mean?
It means a splinter, usually one lodged in the skin. It can also be used figuratively of a very thin or slight person.
How do you use 'skelf'?
For a splinter, e.g. 'I've got a skelf in ma thumb', or of a person, e.g. 'He's just a wee skelf'.
Where does 'skelf' come from?
It derives from Middle Low German 'schelf', meaning a thin slice or splinter.
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