first-footer

first-footer

A first-footer brings a gift of coal and shortbread to a house on New Year's Day.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The first person to enter a house in the New Year: In Scottish and Northern English tradition, "first-footer" refers to the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight on New Year's Eve (Hogmanay). This person is believed to bring good luck or bad luck for the coming year, depending on their characteristics (e.g., gender, hair color, or whether they bring gifts).
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The family waited eagerly for the first-footer to arrive just after midnight. (The family anticipated the first visitor of the New Year.)
    • In our village, a tall, dark-haired man is considered the best first-footer. (A specific type of person is preferred for the New Year tradition.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be the first-footer": to hold the role or honor of being the first visitor.

    • He was chosen to be the first-footer because he brought a lump of coal for good luck. (He performed the traditional duty of the first visitor.)

  • "first-footing" (gerund/noun): the act or custom of visiting as a first-footer.

    • First-footing is a cherished Hogmanay custom in Scotland. (The tradition of first visits after midnight is valued.)
Variants and Related Words
  • First-foot (verb): to visit as a first-footer.
    • They plan to first-foot their neighbors at dawn. (They intend to be the first visitors of the New Year.)
  • First-footing (noun/gerund): the practice or event of being a first-footer.
    • First-footing often involves bringing symbolic gifts like shortbread or whisky. (The custom includes carrying traditional offerings.)
Synonyms
  • New Year's visitor: a person who visits on New Year's Day, especially the first one.
  • Hogmanay guest: a visitor during the Scottish New Year celebration.
Related Idioms
  • First-foot luck: the fortune or misfortune believed to be brought by the first-footer.
    • They hoped for first-foot luck by inviting a fair-haired friend. (They sought good fortune through the first visitor.)
Cultural Note
  • In Scottish tradition, a first-footer is often expected to bring specific items for good luck: a piece of coal (for warmth), shortbread (for food), whisky (for cheer), and a black bun (a rich fruit cake). A dark-haired male is traditionally considered the most auspicious first-footer, while a fair-haired or female first-footer was historically seen as unlucky in some regions.