nignay

English

Alternative forms

• nigg-nye
• nig-naye

Etymology

Uncertain; perhaps compare knick-knack.

Noun

nignay (plural nignays)

1. (Scotland, Ireland) Something trivial or worthless. [from 17th c.]
   • 1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 270:

     And if you were only to see the sums which those thoughtless young lads, who have ten times more money than wit to guide it, throw away on useless nigg-nyes, while thousands around them are pinched for the necessaries of life, it would make the very hair of your head, my dear Archy, stand up like the locks of Medusa.

   • 1884, James Nicholson, Willie Waugh:

     He had a lot o' curious auld nig-nayes.

Anagrams

• naying