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.
Quotation dates: 1892-1908
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NIGG, v., n. Also nig, njigg, nyigg, and freq. forms nig(ge)l, njiggl. [n(j)ɪg]
I. v. 1. To importune, trouble with repeated requests or inquiries, to nag or carp at (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1964). Hence nigda, a fisherman's taboo-term for a wife, sc. the grumbling one (Jak.).
2. To ache with pain (Id.).
3. Of a fish: to tug at the bait (Id.).Sh. 1892 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 36:
He [dog-fish]'s nyiggin at dee redder sair.
4. In freq. forms: (1) to gnaw, chew with difficulty (Jak.), hence nigglie, of meat: tough, hard to chew (Sh. 1964); to cut awkwardly, to make a jagged cut (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1964). Also in n.Eng. dial.; (2) to work in a pottering, ineffective manner, specif. of a quern or water-mill: to grind imperfectly (Jak.).(1) Sh. 1897 Shetland News (7 Aug.):
Wha wad risk njigglin da hide o' der sheep wi' a pair o' shears laek what A'm seen masons cuttin' sheet lead?Sh. 1900 Shetland News (22 Dec.):
I tink he [knife]'ll njiggle aff his [pig's] head.
II. n. Toil, hard work, esp. in rowing (Sh. 1964).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
We're had a hard nigg dis day.
