My Grandpa used to tell us that if we were not good, he'd let the wampaloos and snollygosters get us.
2006-07-19 15:48:45 · 6 answers · asked by elaine_classen 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Here's a website dedicted to snollygosters:
http://www.snollygoster.com/
Snollygoster
snol·ly·gos·ter
Pronunciation: 'snä-lE-"gäs-t&r
Function: noun
Etymology: probably alteration of snallygaster a mythical creature that preys on poultry and children
Date: circa 1860
: a shrewd unprincipled person
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
: One, especially a politician, who is guided by personal advantage rather than by consistent, respectable principles.
- American Heritage Dictionary
The inspiration for "Snollygoster" came from a book I found titled "Words and Phrase origins." It made mention that the word, once popularly used to describe disreputable people that looked out only for their personal gain, is rarely used today. Indeed, I myself had never heard of the word. What took me was that a word that so accurately described so many people today could be lost to us. In case you're still wondering, I've compiled a quick list of famous people that might be considered snollygosters based on their actions.
V.P. Dick Cheney - (Halliburton)
Rep.Trafficant (D) - (Expelled for taking bribes)
Ken Lay - (Enron CEO)
One could argue that all three of these figures have acted in an unprincipled fashion for the sole purposeful intent of their own personal gain. I intend to expand the list of famous snollygosters through my own explorations and through suggestions. A current list can be found on "Other Snollygosters"
Wampaloos are a little harder to come by. The only reference I could find is on this site.
http://www.myspace.com/thebronze
2006-07-19 15:54:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
No, but the Wampaloos sound like an Indian tribe that might know some good tortures. And snollygosters--sound kinda slimy-might not be fun to be got by one.
2006-07-19 22:55:43 · answer #2 · answered by PuppetDog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never heard of them, but they're cool names! (Sounds like something you'd hear in Harry Potter.)
2006-07-19 22:55:43 · answer #3 · answered by collegegradthree 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're Australian. Just a guess.
2006-07-19 22:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by UCSteve 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like something straight out of willy wonka and the choc factory.
2006-07-20 00:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by jenniferb 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No and I am hoping someone has.
2006-07-19 22:52:18 · answer #6 · answered by whozethere 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋