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N. C. . “enough said,” being the initials of NUF CED. A certain theatrical manager spells, it is said, in this style.
Nab . to catch, to seize; “NAB the rust,” to take offence.—_Ancient_, fourteenth century. _See_ NAP.
Nab the rust . to take offence.
Nabob . an Eastern prince, a retired Indian official,—hence a slang term for a capitalist. From Nawaub.
Nabs . self; my NABS, myself; his NABS, himself.—_North Country Cant._
Nag . to persistently talk in a scolding manner, after the manner of Mrs. Caudle. NAGGING is supposed to be persistent, persevering, passionless scolding.
Nail . to steal, or capture; “paid on the NAIL,” _i.e._, paid ready money; NAILED, taken up, or caught,—probably in allusion to the practice of NAILING bad money to the counter. We say, “as dead as a door-NAIL;” most possibly because of “apt alliteration.” Shakspeare has the expression in _Henry IV._—
Nail in one’s coffin . a dram, “a drop o’ summat’ short,” a jocular, but disrespectful phrase, used by the lower orders to each other at the moment of lifting a glass of spirits to their lips. “Well, good luck! here’s another NAIL IN MY COFFIN.” This is probably in ridicule of teetotal or temperance preachers, and the arguments adduced by them. Another phrase with old topers is “shedding a tear,” also “wiping an eye.”
Namby-pamby . particular, over-nice, effeminate. This was possibly of Pope’s invention, and first applied by him to the affected short-lined verses addressed by Ambrose Phillips to Lord Carteret’s infant children. _See Johnson’s Life of Pope._
Nammus . or NAMOUS, to be off, to get away; “let’s NAMMUS, somebody’s coming.” _See_ VAMOS.
Nanny-shop . a disreputable house.
Nantee . not any, or “I have none.” NANTEE also means “shut up!” or “leave off!” _Italian_, NIENTE, nothing. _See_ DINARLY.—_Lingua Franca._
Nantee palaver . no conversation, _i.e._, hold your tongue. Very often in this sense also shortened to NANTEE only. Originally _Lingua Franca_, but now general.
Nap . or NAB, to take, steal, or receive; “you’ll NAP it,” _i.e._, you will catch a beating.—_North_; also _Old Cant_.
Nap . to break, or rap with a hammer. _See_ KNAP.—_North._
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