snollygoster

noun

snol·​ly·​gos·​ter ˈsnä-lē-ˌgä-stər How to pronounce snollygoster (audio)
US dialect
: a shrewd, unprincipled person
Truman lamented that Dwight Eisenhower had given in to congressional "snollygosters"—unprincipled politicians.—Orme Wilson

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of snallygaster a mythical creature that preys on poultry and children

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snollygoster was in 1845

Rhymes for snollygoster

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Browse Nearby Words

snoke
snollygoster
snood
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Cite this Entry

“Snollygoster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snollygoster. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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