Hogmanay

American  

[hog-muh-ney] / ˌhɒg məˈneɪ /

noun

Scot.

1. the eve of New Year's Day.

2. (lowercase) a gift given on Hogmanay.

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Hogmanay British  

/ ˌhɒɡməˈneɪ /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital)

   1. New Year's Eve in Scotland

   2. ( as modifier ) See also first-foot

      a Hogmanay party

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Usage

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year's Eve.

In Scotland, Hogmanay festivities often begin well before the day and in some places consist of several days of events, such as parades and nighttime processions, street parties, bonfires, and music and dance gatherings known as ceilidhs. For some, the celebration of Hogmanay rivals that of Christmas.

The holiday is associated with a number of customs, including the so-called first-foot traditions. In particular, according to Hogmanay tradition, a dark-haired man crossing the threshold of a house at midnight will bring good luck.

The word can also refer to a gift given on Hogmanay. When used in this sense, it’s often lowercase (hogmanay).

Etymology

Origin of Hogmanay

First recorded in 1670–80; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Local people celebrated with a huge Hogmanay party on both sides of the bridge, with fireworks lighting up the sky.

From BBC

The Lib Dem leader talked of "male voice choirs and Hogmanay, county shows and school fairs, fish and chips, village greens and cricket pavilions".

From BBC

Tickets for Edinburgh's Hogmanay will go on pre-sale on Monday, with a general sale on Tuesday.

From BBC

She has also appeared on BBC titles such as Radio Café, Authors Live and the Hogmanay Show.

From BBC

"And New Year is not Hogmanay like the rest of the country, with the 13th being the equivalent of the 1st," he explained.

From BBC