randy English · revision 15071

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=derivation|attested=1698}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈræn.di/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a Scottish word, probably formed from obsolete rand, to rant or rave (1601), a variant of [[rant]], and [[-y]].^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998) Merriam-Webster and the NODE take rand from obsolete [[nl|randen|t=to rant]].^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Rude, aggressive, loud-tongued, in Scots: 1698 in Barnhart and the OED, the 1690s in Etymonline;^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster gives 1665.^(MWU 2024) In early use it was always said of beggars, probably implying a vagrant life as well as rudeness.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In dialect it meant boisterous, riotous or dissipated from 1787,^(OED 1989) and lewd or lustful from before 1847.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) As a noun it was a sturdy rough beggar (1788) and a coarse, loud woman, a scold (1816).^(OED 1989) A noisy merry-making was a randy from 1825,^(OED 1989) and in dialects across Scotland, Ireland and England a frolic or spree.^(Wright 1898)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1601 – rand, to rave.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1698 – rude, aggressive (Scots).^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1787 – boisterous, riotous.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1816 – a scold (noun).^(OED 1989)

+ * before 1847 – lustful.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # ''(informal, chiefly British)'' Sexually aroused or eager; [[lustful]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(chiefly Scottish)'' Without restraint or propriety; reckless; ill-mannered.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(chiefly Scottish)'' A rude or reckless person, or a coarse rowdy woman.^(Collins 2023)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[randiness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[rant]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}