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In Ireland, a naggin is a 200ml bottle of spirits.[1] Major brands of vodka, whiskey, rum, and less often gin, are commonly sold in this size in off licences, especially independent (non-chain) shops, typically at 37.5% to 40% ABV.[2] Naggins are more common than half-bottles (350ml - known as a "shoulder" or a "daddy naggin"), though for the less popular majority of products neither size is available, only the 700 mL EU standard bottle size . The naggin bottle is typically the shape of a large hip flask, suitable for placing in a pocket.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, naggin is a variant of noggin, a word of uncertain origin recorded from the seventeenth century and meaning a small quantity of alcohol, usually one gill (0.25 imperial pints (140 mL)). Tomás S. Ó Máille derives it from the Irish naigín, cnaigín, a small wooden pail with a capacity of two glasses.[3]
Naggins, particularly of cheap vodka, are very popular among youths, under-age drinkers and students. They are often implicated in binge drinking.[4]
This size is unique to the Irish off-trade and holds a considerable and growing share of spirit sales - particularly in the independent off-trade.