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Literary notes about Sniggle (AI summary)

In literature, “sniggle” appears in a variety of playful and context-specific roles. In one usage, it names a peculiar eel from the Avon [1], while in other works it denotes actions of ingratiation or sly behavior, as indicated by its definition as “to sniggle up” [2] and by a villain’s scheming conduct [3]. The term also surfaces in humorous dialogue or puns—for instance, when characters debate “O sniggle or to dibble” [4], or when a character is addressed as “Master Sniggle” amid a light-hearted exchange [5]. Additionally, its presence in settings such as the evocatively named Sniggle Scooper’s Department Store [6] or as a descriptor of a dolorous laugh [7] underscores its adaptability, while a dialectal variant even finds mention in Scottish fishing verses [8]. This rich range of uses reflects not only a playful linguistic evolution but also hints at its deeper etymological roots [9].
  1. Sniggle , A. An eel peculiar to the Avon.
    — from The New Forest: Its History and Its Scenery by John R. (John Richard) Wise
  2. (1) To snigger.—S.W. (2) 'To sniggle up,' to toady or endeavour to ingratiate yourself with any one.—S.W. * Sniggling .
    — from A Glossary of Words used in the Country of Wiltshire by E. H. (Edward Hungerford) Goddard
  3. But we'd manage to live and still hold up our head, Were it not for the villain who ventures to sniggle.
    — from Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, November 15, 1890 by Various
  4. O sniggle or to dibble, that's the question!
    — from Quips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and Quotable
  5. “Ah, explain yourself, Master Sniggle,” said the host, winking at the little man.
    — from Ada, the Betrayed; Or, The Murder at the Old Smithy. A Romance of Passion by James Malcolm Rymer
  6. It is well to bear this fact in mind, for the whole action of this story takes place under the roof of Sniggle Scooper's Department Store.
    — from Humorous Hits and How to Hold an AudienceA Collection of Short Selections, Stories and Sketches for All Occasions
  7. "Thank you, Willie," said Polly, with a dolorous sniggle.
    — from The Spider and the Fly; or, An Undesired Love by Charles Garvice
  8. Scots wha fish wi’ salmon roe, Scots wha sniggle as ye go, Wull ye stand the Bailie?
    — from Introduction to the Compleat Angler by Andrew Lang
  9. Sniggle ( Lei. Nhp. ) for snail is from O.N. snigill , beside the native snail from O.E. snægl .
    — from Rustic Speech and Folk-Lore by Elizabeth Mary Wright

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