Recorded in nineteenth-century American English. Its origin is uncertain, though dictionaries often connect it cautiously with snallygaster, the name of a mythical creature.
Recorded in nineteenth-century American English. Its origin is uncertain, though dictionaries often connect it cautiously with snallygaster, the name of a mythical creature.
What does snollygoster mean?
Snollygoster means a clever but unprincipled person, especially a politician or political operator.
Is snollygoster a noun?
Yes. Snollygoster is a noun, and its regular plural is snollygosters.
Is snollygoster formal?
No. Snollygoster is rare slang or dialect, usually used for a colorful, critical effect.
Does snollygoster always mean a politician?
Politics is its usual setting, but snollygoster can also describe another shrewd person who acts without principle.
Is snollygoster the same as snallygaster?
No. Snollygoster names an unprincipled person, while snallygaster is the name of a mythical creature.
Where does snollygoster come from?
It is recorded in nineteenth-century American English, and its origin is uncertain, though it is often linked cautiously with snallygaster.
How is snollygoster pronounced?
Snollygoster is pronounced /ˈsnɑːliˌɡɑːstər/.
What are synonyms of snollygoster?
Near synonyms include opportunist, demagogue, schemer, operator, shyster, and hypocrite.
Can snollygoster be used today?
Yes, but it sounds intentionally old-fashioned and pointed, especially in political commentary.
What is an example of snollygoster?
A sentence like "The columnist called the backroom fixer a snollygoster" uses the word for an unprincipled political operator.