whid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / Archaic / DialectalDialectal (chiefly Scots), archaic, literary.
Quick answer
What does “whid” mean?
To move nimbly and silently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move nimbly and silently; to slip away quickly.
To speak rapidly or volubly; to whisper; (Scots) to move or go quickly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Almost exclusively used in British English, specifically in Scottish dialect. It is virtually unknown in modern American English, except in very rare literary contexts.
Connotations
In British (Scots) usage, it carries a rustic, local, or old-fashioned flavour. No specific modern connotations in American English due to non-use.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English overall but recognised in Scottish dialect dictionaries. Frequency in America is effectively zero.
Grammar
How to Use “whid” in a Sentence
Intransitive verb: 'He whidded away.'Noun (countable): 'He told a whid.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fox whidded into the undergrowth before we could get a clear shot.
- 'Stop your whidding and speak plainly!' the old man grumbled.
American English
- (Not used in AmE; hypothetical) In the old tale, the sprite would whid from shadow to shadow.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in historical linguistics or dialect studies.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English. May be heard in specific Scottish communities.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whid”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common verb.
- Mispronouncing it to rhyme with 'hide'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, dialectal, and archaic word.
Yes, in Scots dialect it can mean a lie or a fib, or a quick movement.
Only for receptive knowledge if you encounter it in Scottish literature or dialect studies. It is not recommended for active use by learners of general English.
Of uncertain origin, but likely from older Scots; possibly imitative of quick movement or whispering.
To move nimbly and silently.
Whid is usually dialectal (chiefly scots), archaic, literary. in register.
Whid: in British English it is pronounced /wɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /wɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WHISpering guiD, who moves quickly and quietly - WHID.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS FLEETING MOVEMENT (for the verb sense of speaking rapidly).
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is the word 'whid' primarily found today?