snollygoster

[ snol-ee-gos-ter ]

/ ˈsnɒl iˌgɒs tər /

|

noun Slang.

a clever, unscrupulous person.

Nearby words

snodly, snoek, snoep, snog, snogging, snollygoster, snood, snook, snooker, snookums, snoop

Origin of snollygoster

First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for snollygoster

As it was, he was more scared than hurt, and Snollygoster added another plume to his cap.
Barney Blake, The Boy Privateer|Herrick Johnstone
He next threw himself into the sea, out of the ports of the gun-room, but was rescued by Snollygoster.
Barney Blake, The Boy Privateer|Herrick Johnstone

Word Origin and History for snollygoster

snollygoster

1846, American English slang, fanciful coinage.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper