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].
- Sniggle , A. An eel peculiar to the Avon.
— from The New Forest: Its History and Its Scenery by John R. (John Richard) Wise - (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 - 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 - O sniggle or to dibble, that's the question!
— from Quips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and Quotable - “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 - 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 - "Thank you, Willie," said Polly, with a dolorous sniggle.
— from The Spider and the Fly; or, An Undesired Love by Charles Garvice - 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 - 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