courie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Rare/Regional)Informal, Regional, Literary/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “courie” mean?
To stoop or crouch, especially down from fear or cold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stoop or crouch, especially down from fear or cold; to huddle.
To shrink or cower down; to shelter oneself closely; a term evoking a posture of retreat, protection, or timidity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Courie' is specific to Scottish and Northern English dialects. It is virtually unknown and unused in standard American English, where 'cower', 'crouch', or 'huddle' are used.
Connotations
In UK dialect use, it can have a homely or intimate sense (e.g., 'courie in' to bed). In American English, it has no independent connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general British English; its use is confined to specific regional contexts, poetry, or historical texts. Zero frequency in standard American English.
Grammar
How to Use “courie” in a Sentence
[Subject] + courie + (Adverb of place/direction)[Subject] + courie + (Prepositional Phrase indicating shelter/goal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “courie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bairns would courie doon by the fire.
- She couried in closer to him for warmth.
- The cat couried under the bush during the storm.
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adverb)
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adjective)
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in linguistic or literary studies of Scots/dialect poetry.
Everyday
Only in parts of Scotland and Northern England.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courie”
- Misspelling as 'curry', 'courier', or 'cower'.
- Using it in international contexts where it will not be understood.
- Pronouncing it like 'core-ee' instead of 'cow-rie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a regional dialect word from Scotland and Northern England and is not part of Standard English.
'Cower' emphasizes fear and trembling. 'Courie' can be motivated by cold or seeking comfort as well as fear, and often implies a huddling or drawing-in for shelter.
No. It is considered non-standard and dialectal. Using it would likely confuse the examiner and be marked as an error. Use 'crouch', 'huddle', or 'cower' instead.
It is pronounced /ˈkaʊri/, rhyming with 'floury' or 'dowry'.
To stoop or crouch, especially down from fear or cold.
Courie is usually informal, regional, literary/archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To courie in (to go snugly to bed)”
- “To courie doon (Scots: to settle down, to crouch)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COWERing person who is in a hURIE to hide – COWER + HURRIE = COURIE.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR/COLD IS A PHYSICAL FORCE THAT MAKES ONE SHRINK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'courie' be most appropriately used?