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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

NYOG, v., n. Also njo(a)g, nyoag, niog, neoag. [njo:g]

I. v. Of a cow or calf: to low, to moo in a low subdued manner (Sh. 1903 E.D.D., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1964); of a dog: to whine (Sh. 1964); of a person: to moan, complain, scold, chide (Sh. 1903 E.D.D.).Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 22:
Da stirnin young baes staand and njoag Among da shurg.
Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He is aye njogin aboot som'tin'.
Sh. 1954 New Shetlander No. 40. 30:
Strange sounds were heard on the hills: kye nyoged in the middle of the night.

II. n. A moo, a lowing sound, as of a cow (Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 164, Sh. 1964); a sound of moaning and complaining (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1900 Shetland News (10 Feb.):
I could hear da njoags o' da kye whin I cam' frae da waal.

[Orig. obscure. Phs. mainly imit., with maybe some influence from njaag, Nag, v.1]

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