What Is The Origin Of (191)?…
Skulduggery
On the moral compass of malefaction, skulduggery, one of my favourite words, has a whiff of amorality. It is used to describe an underhand act or a piece of unscrupulous behaviour, usually involving some form of trickery or a devious device. Often it is preceded by an adjective such as political or commercial, perhaps reflecting that these so-called professions rely on being somewhat economical with the actualite to achieve their rather dubious goals.
Etymologically, its origins are far from certain but many seem to think that its antecedent was the Scottish word, sculduddery. This appeared in the 18th century and was used to describe various forms of sexual impropriety such as fornication and adultery. In the 19th century its meaning seems to have broadened to include verbal obscenity and indecency.
Where the Scots got this word from is unclear, some suggesting that given the proximity of Scotland with Scandinavia, the Swedish word, skuld, may have something to do with it. It meant debt and you could imagine that it was used to describe some form of unscrupulous behaviour designed to avoid meeting your obligations, a theory made more attractive by the word Duggar meaning to sprinkle or garnish in Swedish. But this may just be fanciful speculation as there is no concrete evidence to support the theory.
Skulduggery made its first appearance across the pond, possibly imported there by Scots migrating from their homeland in search of a better future. By the time it had reached the mid-West the word had undergone some minor changes, the c being replaced by a k and the double ds being replaced by gs. Quite why, no one knows. Perhaps the influence of migrating Scandinavians also had a part to play.
The splendidly named Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, a newspaper established in Iowa, reported in its edition of 28th August 1858; “if the above be true, and we are that ‘tis so, we see nothing else in the new move but a bit of political skulduggery for the benefit of black republicanism, but it will not redound to their credit…” It is clear that what is being described is a bit of underhand politicking, the classic example of skulduggery.
What is also evident is that even fifteen or so years later, the word wasn’t readily understood. For those of us who despair at the quality of political dialogue these days, the cockles of our hearts will be warmed by this encounter reported in the Official Report of the Proceedings and Debates of the Third Constitutional Convention of Ohio, 1873-4, between a Mr West, who was clearly familiar with the vernacular of the streets and a Mr Hoadly who exhibited the worldliness fo a High Court judge. “It is urged upon the assumption that there has been what some gentlemen here have characterised as smouzling/ What is that?/ Skulduggery/ Well, what does that mean?/ I do not know what it means, but that is what I heard talked about here.”
Despite its uncertain beginnings, skulduggery finally got established, being more common in its usage in the United States than in Britain. I will refrain from commenting on why that may be the case. Instead I shall revel in the wonders of this fascinating word.
