A strange sound with a critical meaningSourced
United States · English meaning
Snollygoster describes an unprincipled, shrewd person
The old English slang term snollygoster describes a shrewd person not guided by principles, especially a politician. Its unusual sound does not make it a neutral label: the dictionary meaning carries criticism of conduct.
The curious name still has a pointed meaning.
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snollygoster · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-05