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.
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.
