Edited by A.B. Jackson
Published on 18 April 2024
ISBN: 9781915108203
The Fusslin Thrang gathers together Alexander Hutchison’s poems
in Scots written between 1973 and 2015, with the majority being
previously uncollected or unpublished. Included are a wide range
of translations, featuring poets such as Catullus, Pierre de Ronsard,
Pier Paolo Pasolini, Ernesto Cardenal, and Mikhail Lermontov.
Of particular note is Hutchison’s Scots version of ‘Medea’, based on
the extract in English by Robinson Jeffers, and published here for
the first time. Every poem includes a glossary and contextual notes.
*
Aye, Plenty, an Mair
A’m nae aa that sure aboot Glumsh or Glunsh —
bit Grizzel an Happit are in aboord onywye.
Is the back door snibbit ? Mak sure it’s wide open.
There micht be some neebors cam throwe the back
gairden or in ower the waa. Golach and Glit were nivver
my bosom freens, bit ye winna keep them oot if there’s
ither fowk in. A’m nae haein Drittle nor Fouter, though —
nane o them — there’s aye some scutter or sotter wi yon.
Hud back the fancies — bit pit them oot later. Shortbreid
an tablet, an twa or three panjotteries — there wis nae
oofum-ploofums at the baker’s the day. Bit there’s broon
breid and pan loaf an butter an honey, an plinty o sassidges,
fae Tommy, the best. Ye can aye pit on tatties, there’s broth
on the simmer, an fish winna keep. Oh, there’s galshach
o some kind — jist mindit this meenit — in the press
oot the back. So rowe up the cairpets, redd the fleer,
space for dancin. Bring aabody ben as seen as they’re in.
An mind noo fit I tell’t ye : the finest particles are langest
suspendit, so maist o oor relatives are still t’ come doon.
*
Glumsh and Glunsh are here just names, but associated with sour or grumpy looks. Grizzel is a good old Scottish name (from Grizelda). Happit covered, wrapped (fowk ging oot weel-happit agin the caal) ; in aboord on board. Golach is short for horny-golach : an earwig or forky-tail. Glit is slime or mucous. Drittle (or druttle) is a general term of abuse — for someone who’s too slow or a waste of time. Fouter (or footer) is likewise to dither, or somebody fussy and inept. A bit like scutter, which has the sense of faffing around in an irksome or unsatisfactory way. Sotter is another kind of tangled mess. Fancies are fancy cakes or biscuits. Tablet is Scots fudge, which is harder, but not less sweet, than other types. Panjotteries are pancakes. Oofum-ploofums are
probably meringues.* I only heard the word used once, vaguely indicating the more exotic or creamy items on a baker’s crowded counter top. Mindit is remembered ; press a cupboard or dresser, sometimes large and built-in. Galshach (pronounced galshick) where I grew up meant something tasty or attractive, but rubbish really, and likely a waste of money. Redd is to clear or tidy ; fleer is floor. Bring aabody ben is take everyone through. — AH
* In response to my enquiry about this word on the Buckie Facebook group, 5 February 2024, June Maver from Keith in Moray replied as follows : ‘My gran made oofum floofum : it was melted jelly whipped-up with evaporated milk ; light, with air bubbles through it. “Oofum floofum” was also used in a sarcastic way to describe fluffy things in general, like a big flouncy ball gown or wedding dress.’ Other group members also recognized the word in the sense of the aerated dessert, with the alternative name ‘fluff ’ also used, i.e. what is also known as ‘jelly fluff ’ or ‘milk jelly’. Response edited and reproduced with permission. — ABJ
