Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1886-1958
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SNIGGER, v., n. [′snɪgər]
I. v. To catch (salmon) illegally by dragging a cluster of weighted hooks along the river-bed, to fish (a pool) by this means. Chiefly in vbl.n. sniggering. Gen. (exc. I.)Sc.Sc. 1886 Fishing Gazette (30 Jan.) 58:
Grappling — or sniggering, as it is more politely termed.Sc. 1898 Scotsman (19 Nov.) 6:
The bailiffs . . . said they had no doubt that they were "sniggering" salmon.Sc. 1946 Scots Mag. (Sept.) 466:
The motor-gang, who will net or snigger a pool.Arg. 1955 Daily Mail (23 Aug.):
Taking three salmon from the River Echaig by the illegal method of "sniggering."Dmf. 1958 Dmf. & Gall. Standard (20 Dec.):
"Sniggering" or snatching, by dragging a weighted hooked line through the water.
II. n. The grappling implement used by salmon-poachers (Cai., ne.Sc. 1971).Abd. 1901 Scotsman (29 March) 7:
Labourers poached for salmon on the Don by means of sniggers.Abd. 1956 Scotsman (29 Feb.):
The police found three dead salmon, a bag, a stick used for killing fish, and two sniggers.
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"Snigger v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/snigger>
