The Concise Scots Dictionary (second edition) came out in October 2017, updated from the first edition in 1985. It is the single most authoritative volume on the history, pronunciation and geographical distribution of Scots words.
Drawing on the 22 definitive volumes of the Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (covering the period to 1700) and the Scottish National Dictionary (1700 onwards), with new words gathered from our national reading programme, the Concise Scots Dictionary offers an accessible, one-volume dictionary for all readers and writers.
The second edition has been revised and updated throughout to reflect modern Scots usage, alongside coverage of older Scots. It contains:
According to the blurb it contains:
- over 40,000 headwords: 23,000 full entries and 17,000 cross-references
- comprehensive coverage of variant spellings and regional forms, including Ulster Scots
- information on grammar and register showing how and when to use the words
- extensive coverage of language, from older Scots to modern-day usage
Compared to the first edition, it now includes:
- over 1100 more words and Scots usages
- coverage of Orkney and Shetland Scots
- updated and extended pronunciation information
- improved and extended information on etymologies