Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NUG, v., n.¹ Also nugg, nogg, n(j)ukk (Jak.).

I. v. 1. To nudge, jog, as with the elbow (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1964), to attract a person's attention thus, to give a hint (Jak.); specif. of a fish: to nibble or jerk at the bait (Sh. 1964). Also fig. Vbl.n. nuggen, -in, (i) a slight jerk, nibbling; (ii) a snack, light meal (Ib.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De fish is nuggin at de bait; de fish nugged upo de line.Sh. 1955 New Shetlander No. 41. 7:
Sleep, sleepy laund, sleep, sleepy baess, Da sun 'ill nug you bye an bye.

2. To nod the head (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1964).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (20 May):
Tamy juist nuggid his head.

3. To rock, esp. to rock a cradle gently (Jak., ‡Sh. 1964).

4. Of the sea: to begin to ebb (Jak.).

II. n. 1. A nudge, jerk, pull, tug, esp. of a fish on a line (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1964).Sh. 1900 Shetland News (21 July):
Hit's hirsel'. I ken be her nuggs apo' da line.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To gi'e ane a nugg; a nugg wi' de elbog.Sh. 1964 New Shetlander No. 67. 29:
Dan Swein gae Olie's knee a nugg.

†2. The setting-in of the ebb (Jak.).