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

She went to her GP with her concerns, and after a battery of tests was diagnosed on Hogmanay 2023 with Alzheimer's.

From BBC

Hamish Hawk is determined to enjoy his Hogmanay gig at Princes Street Gardens - as he was too terrified to appreciate his last show there.

From BBC

In Edinburgh, tens of thousands of revellers from across the world will be attending the city's famous Hogmanay street party which culminates in the traditional firework display above Edinburgh Castle at midnight.

From BBC

Al Thomson, co-director of Unique Assembly which produces Edinburgh Hogmanay, said: "Things are looking great. Looks like it might be a little bit blustery but we're confident everything will go ahead as planned."

From BBC

"It is something that we use to light up the dark Edinburgh nights," said Al Thomson, director of the Hogmanay festival.

From Barron's