Simson (1865), when discussing the origins of the Gypsies noteed that in India there were two tribes called Nuts and Bazegurs and stated: In the ordinances of Menu, the Nuts, or Bazegars, are called Nata. Now, our Scottish Gipsies, at this moment, call themselves Nawkens, a word not very dissimilar in sound to Nata. Another possible root is the Hindi word nāyak ‘a hero’.
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‣ barry for yer naggins good for your self 20-. ‣ my nagin myself 20-. etymology: Cant; noun also attested in Shelta; compare wor noggins; attested by BS in TDITA and JS |
Canadian Paul Pope (2013) attests this with the same meaning. |