clype: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareVery informal, dialectal/regional (mainly Scottish), archaic in other contexts.
Quick answer
What does “clype” mean?
(chiefly Scottish) To tell tales or inform on someone, to sneak.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(chiefly Scottish) To tell tales or inform on someone, to sneak.
A person who informs on others; a telltale or sneak. Also refers to the act of telling tales or the tale itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Extremely rare in American English, essentially non-existent outside of historical or etymological contexts. In British English, it is exclusively associated with Scottish dialects.
Connotations
Strongly dialectal and dated. May sound comical, childish, or deliberately folksy if used outside of Scotland.
Frequency
Most speakers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland would be unfamiliar with the word. Its use is confined to Scotland and certain literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clype” in a Sentence
(to) clype ON someone TO someone (e.g., authority figure)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clype” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you clype on me, I'll never speak to you again.
- He's always clyping to the boss about people taking long breaks.
American English
- American English does not use this word. An equivalent example: 'He tattled on his classmates.'
adjective
British English
- He's a clype wee boy. (colloquial adjective derived from noun use)
American English
- American English does not use this word.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or linguistic studies of Scots language.
Everyday
Only in informal Scottish speech, particularly among older generations or for humorous effect.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clype”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'speak' or 'say'.
- Using it outside a Scottish or historical context, which will confuse most listeners.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a regional dialect word from Scots and Scottish English, considered non-standard in most other contexts.
Yes. A 'clype' is a person who tells tales on others (a telltale or sneak).
No, they are etymologically distinct. 'Clype' is from Scots, while 'clip' has Old English and Old Norse origins.
Only if you are learning about Scots dialect or need it for specific literary/historical understanding. It is not useful for general English communication.
(chiefly Scottish) To tell tales or inform on someone, to sneak.
Clype is usually very informal, dialectal/regional (mainly scottish), archaic in other contexts. in register.
Clype: in British English it is pronounced /klaɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced Not standard; would approximate to /klaɪp/.. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wee clype (a telltale, a sneak).”
- “Don't be a clype!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a child CLYPing on a friend, their mouth shaped like a CLIP as they 'clip' their friend's secret to a teacher.
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS LEAKING INFORMATION (The clype 'lets it out').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the word 'clype'?