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wee
01
(Scottish) very small in size
Informal
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
qualitative
Superlative
weest
Comparative
weer
gradable
What does "wee" mean in Scottish and Northern English slang?
The structure is a simple adjective of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English "wēg" (weight) or from Old Norse "vægja" (to move), but firmly established in Northern British dialects. It is used in Scotland, Northern England, Ireland, and parts of Canada to mean very small in size or a small amount. People typically say "A wee bit of sugar" or "That's a wee dog" or "I'll be there in a wee minute." The term originated in Middle English, preserved in Northern dialects, and remains a strong marker of Scottish speech, used across all social classes.
Examples
The toddler toddled around the garden, picking up wee flowers with tiny hands.
to wee
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
wee
3rd person singular
wees
Present participle
weeing
Past simple
weed
Past participle
weed
Examples
The toddler learned to wee on the potty instead of in diapers.
Wee
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Simple
Uncountable
Examples
The doctor asked for a wee sample for the test.
02
the act of urination
Examples
The toddler announced that he needed to go for a wee.
Lexical Tree
weeness
wee



























