Brodie

See also: brodie

English

Pronunciation
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈbɹoʊdi/
  • Homophone: Brody

Etymology 1

Scottish habitational surname of uncertain meaning. Probably of Pictish or Gaelic origin. Some of the suggestions that have been advanced as to the meaning of the name Brodie are:

  • "ditch" or "mire", from the old Irish word broth;[1]
  • "muddy place", from the Gaelic word brothach;[2]
  • "a point", "a spot", or "level piece of land", from the Gaelic word Brodha;[3]
  • or originated from the Pict name Brude, Bruid or Bridei from King Bridei of the Picts.[4][5][6]

Proper noun

Brodie

  1. A surname from Scottish Gaelic.
  2. A male given name transferred from the surname.
  3. A hamlet in Moray council area, Scotland, the location of Brodie Castle (OS grid ref NH9757). [7]
Alternative forms
Derived terms

Etymology 2

Named after Steve Brodie (1861–1901), who made a disputed claim to have jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and survived.

Noun

Brodie (plural Brodies)

  1. (US, informal) A suicidal leap.
    • 1960, Martin M. Frank, Diary of a D.A., page 26:
      "We don't believe this bird took a Brodie," Bruckman told them. "He wouldn't know the meaning of remorse, and he's not the suicidal type. […]
  2. (US, informal, figurative, by extension) A risky enterprise; a chance taken.
    • 1916, The American Photo Engraver, volume 9, page 536:
      August Marien took a brodie (any one is apt to) by getting married last month.
Usage notes
  • Generally used in the phrase do a Brodie, pull a Brodie, or take a Brodie.
Alternative forms

References
  1. The history of the Province of Moray : comprising the counties of Elgin and Nairn, the greater part of the County of Inverness and a portion of the County of Banff, all called the Province of Moray before there was a division into counties (1882), vol. ii, p.248-249
  2. Brodie Name Meaning and Origin Retrieved on 2008-02-07
  3. The place names of Elginshire (1905), by Donald Matheson, p.119
  4. Clans and Chiefs, p. 52, by Ian Grimble, Frederick Muller Ltd (December 8, 1980), →ISBN
  5. Brodie Country (1991), p.1, by James Brodie, Galloper press, →ISBN
  6. rampantscotland.com
  7. Ordnance Survey

Anagrams
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