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.
SHARG, v., n.2 Also shaarg, sjarg (Jak.); sherg (Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 29). [ʃɑrg]
I. v. To argue fractiously, carp, cavil, speak on in a peevish grumbling way, to nag, grouse (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh., Ork. 1970). Freq. in ppl.adj., vbl.n., shargin, nagging (Edm.; I.Sc. 1970). Deriv. sharger, a nagger, a complaining peevish person (I.Sc. 1970).Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 64:
Sharg, sharg, shargin', eenin, mornin,.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (4 Sept.):
Shaarg nae longer aboot da kye.Ork. 1929 Old-Lore Misc. IX. ii. 80:
Hids a puir waan for men folk tae stow shargin wives.Sh. 1930 Manson's Almanac 190:
His Kitty's weary shargin wis An enemy ta joy.Ork. 1956 C. M. Costie Benjie's Bodle 192:
Yin aald sharger that never got a man.Sh. 1959 New Shetlander No. 51. 28:
Shargin aboot wir peerie helly ploys.
II. n. 1. Nagging, grumbling, petulant, persistent complaining or teasing (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Also fig. anxiety, vexation, harassment.Sh. 1901 Shetland News (25 May):
I never get an hour's peace for her “sharg”.Sh. 1948 New Shetlander (Aug.–Sept.) 12:
Da woeri in da sharg o life.
2. A nagger, grumbling, fractious person (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
[Etym. somewhat doubtful. Jak. compares Swed. dial. sarga, to nag, O.N. sarga, to haggle, wrangle.]
