Dictionary

Brodie en · PROPN · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• /ˈbɹoʊdi/ (US)

Etymology

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; * "muddy place", from the Gaelic word brothach; * "a point", "a spot", or "level piece of land", from the Gaelic word Brodha; * or originated from the Pict name Brude, Bruid or Bridei from King Bridei of the Picts.

Meanings

1. A surname from Scottish Gaelic.
   • “Surprise,” says Hal Brodie, drily, caught in the act of taking books and records from Luisa’s shelves and putting them into his gym bag. ... ... Luisa is angry with herself. “So. Reclamation Day.” 2004, David Mitchell, “Half-Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery”, in Cloud Atlas, →ISBN, page 120:
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).

Forms

Deriveds

Brodie's abscess · Brodie knob · Brodies Plains

Brodie en · NOUN · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• /ˈbɹoʊdi/ (US)

Etymology

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

Meanings

1. (US, informal) A suicidal leap.
   • "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. […] 1960, Martin M. Frank, Diary of a D.A., page 26:
2. (US, broadly, figuratively, informal) A risky enterprise; a chance taken.
   • August Marien took a brodie (any one is apt to) by getting married last month. 1916, The American Photo Engraver, volume 9, page 536:

Forms