Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1877-1897
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GOGAR, n.1 Also gog(g)er. [′gogər]
†1. “A kind of large fishing-hook; now commonly used of any fishing-hook above the usual size” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), one used for securing a large fish after it has been netted or caught by line.Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 31:
A most beautiful mermaid, . . . an' a muckle turbot gogar catched her right under da shin.
2. By extension: (1) “a very big needle; a big knitting-needle” (Jak.); (2) any sharp-pointed instrument; (3) “anything very large of its kind; a very tall woman” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., gogar, Sh.10 1954).(2) Sh. 1897 Shetland News (7 Aug.):
Da fljomies o' skin at wis flaed aff o' dem [sheep] wi yon gogers o' shears.
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"Gogar n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gogar_n1>
