gie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Archaic / DialectalHighly restricted; chiefly found in historical texts, poetry, or representation of Scots dialect.
Quick answer
What does “gie” mean?
Variant spelling or Scottish/archaic form of the verb 'give'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Variant spelling or Scottish/archaic form of the verb 'give'.
To hand over, provide, or grant something; in Scottish usage, a verb with the same fundamental meaning as 'give' but with regional or poetic connotations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Within the UK, it is known as a Scots dialectal form. In American English, it is virtually unknown except in specialist literary or historical contexts.
Connotations
In UK/Scottish contexts: rustic, traditional, authentic, folksy. In general English contexts: archaic, poetic, quaint.
Frequency
Extremely rare in standard written or spoken English. Its occurrence is almost exclusively intentional, for stylistic or dialectal effect.
Grammar
How to Use “gie” in a Sentence
NP1 __ NP2 (to) NP3 (e.g., 'Gie it to me.')NP1 __ NP2 NP3 (ditransitive, e.g., 'Gie me it.')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would often gie a coin to the bairns.
- Gie it here, will ye?
- I'll gie you my answer the morn.
American English
- (Not used. Equivalent: 'Give it to me, will you?')
- (Not used.)
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literary studies of Scots/Burns.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English. May be heard in parts of Scotland.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gie”
- Using 'gie' in formal or international English contexts.
- Misspelling 'give' as 'gie' unintentionally.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' as in 'go' if aiming for the Scots sound (it's the same as in 'give').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not part of Standard English. It is a correct form in Scots dialect and is used archaically or poetically.
It is pronounced the same as the standard English word 'gee' (as in 'gee whiz'), rhyming with 'see'. In Scots, it is /ɡiː/.
No, unless you are specifically writing in Scots dialect, quoting poetry (like Robert Burns), or aiming for a deliberate archaic/rustic effect.
In Scots, the past tense is often 'gied' (/ɡiːd/), analogous to 'gave'.
Variant spelling or Scottish/archaic form of the verb 'give'.
Gie is usually highly restricted; chiefly found in historical texts, poetry, or representation of scots dialect. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gie's a bosie (Scots: give me a hug)”
- “gie it laldy (Scots: do something with great energy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pie' - if you GIE someone a PIE, you are GIVING them food. The spelling 'gie' is like 'give' without the 'v'.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIVING IS TRANSFERRING AN OBJECT (possession moves from giver to recipient).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gie' MOST appropriately used?