“SNOOKERS” IS THE LATEST
Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles), 07 April 1906
“SNOOKERS” IS THE LATEST
Coined by the New York Mayor Who Would Like to Snook a Bit Himself
Special to The Herald.
NEW YORK. April 6.—New York’s political lexicon has acquired a new word. It is “snook,” and it refers to newspaper attack or ridicule. It was used by Mayor McClellan on Saturday night while he was talking with a group of his friends, including the reporters and Representative Samuel W. McCall at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick dinner at Delmonico’s.
Half a dozen reporters sat facing the mayor just as the speeches were about to begin. Mr. McClellan, who was in a pleasant frame of mind, was telling stories.
“How’d you like to be back in this game?” asked one reporter, referring to the mayor’s early training as a newspaper man.
“Well,” replied the mayor, smilingly, “I’ve been snooked by snookers so much recently that I’m beginning to wish I were a snooker once more myself and snook a little against the snookers who’re snooking me.” Then he laughed.
“Why not jolly them a bit?” suggested Mr. McCall. “I’m not proficient enough in the art,” retorted the mayor with a grin. “That’s a science on which the Talleyrands and Machiavellls of Washington must have a monopoly.”