Where Did the Term “Noogie” Come From?

The term “noogie” is a slang word that refers to the act of putting someone in a headlock and rubbing one’s knuckles on the other person’s head. It is often used as a playful gesture of affection when done lightly.

The origin of the term “noogie” is unknown, but there are several theories. One theory is that it comes from the Yiddish word “nudzhen,” which means “to badger” or “to annoy.” Another theory is that it comes from the Hebrew word “nugot,” which means “to afflict.” A third theory is that it is a variation of the word “nudge,” which means to push or poke someone gently.

The first known written use of the term “noogie” was in 1968, in the novel “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” by Tom Wolfe. The term was popularized in the late 1970s by the American sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live.”

Variations of the Term “Noogie”

The term “noogie” has several variations, including:

  • Noogy
  • Nuggie
  • Nuggy
  • Nugie

Synonyms for the Term “Noogie”

There are several synonyms for the term “noogie,” including:

  • Knuckle rub on head
  • Headlock
  • Indian burn
  • Wet willy

How to Give a Noogie

To give a noogie, place your arm around the person’s neck from behind and pull them into a headlock. Then, use your knuckles to rub their head. You can do this lightly or firmly, depending on how playful you are feeling.

Conclusion

The term “noogie” is a slang word that has been around for several decades. It is a playful gesture of affection that is often used to show someone that you care about them.

Noogie Meaning

FAQ

What is the origin of the word Noogie?

Etymology. Unknown, possibly from Yiddish נודזשען (nudzhen, “to badger”), or possibly from Hebrew נוגות (nugot, “afflict”) (see Eicha/Lamentations 1:3) or possibly via an alteration of nudge, matching the alteration of wedge to wedgie.

Who invented Noogie?

The earliest known use of the noun noogie is in the 1960s. OED’s earliest evidence for noogie is from 1968, in the writing of I. Horovitz. noogie is of unknown origin.

What is a noogie in American slang?

[ noog-ee ] show ipa. nounSlang. a light blow or jab, usually to a person’s head, back, or upper arm and accompanied by a twisting motion, with the extended knuckle of the curled-up second or third finger: done as a gesture of affection or painfully as a prank.

What is a Noogie in British English?

noogie in British English (ˈnʊɡɪ ) noun. US school slang. a hard rubbing with the knuckles on someone’s head, or occasionally elsewhere, intended to inflict pain.

What does noogie mean?

Subscribe to America’s largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! The meaning of NOOGIE is the act of rubbing one’s knuckles on a person’s head so as to produce a mildly painful sensation. How to use noogie in a sentence.

What is the difference between A Loogie and a noogie?

The proper word is “loogie.” It refers to the mucus that is expelled from the mouth and throat, usually by coughing or spitting. On the other hand, “noogie” is a slang term for a playful headlock or rubbing of the knuckles on someone’s scalp. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the origins and usage of these two words.

How do you use a noogie in a sentence?

Noogie is a playful term for a light hit or rub on someone’s head with the knuckles, often done as a teasing gesture. It can be used in a sentence in the following ways: He gave his little brother a noogie and ruffled his hair. She playfully gave her friend a noogie as they walked down the street.

Where did Nookie come from?

The earliest known use of the noun nookie is in the 1920s. OED’s earliest evidence for nookie is from 1928, in the writing of M. Bodenheim. nookie is of uncertain origin. Perhaps formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: nook n., ‑y suffix6.

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