In a few minutes I’ll be having my daily phone call with Jack and some people would find it difficult to know what we are talking about. You know already that Lincolnshire ducks don’t quack. But did you know that you too could be a duck as it’s also a term of endearment? And maybe I would have to duck if that’s what I called you and you fetched me a clout! And then I might end up beeling (crying).
It's been ower 'ot bi aife (it’s been very hot lately) and in the absence of a pool to dive into, I’ve been diving into Lincolnshire dialect. It seemed a better idea than being as mardy as me bum (sulky). Don’t get frit, though. (Margaret Thatcher once used “frit” in the House of Commons to taunt an opponent whom she accused of running scared.)
But that name “Yellow Belly” which we Lincolnshire folk proudly use of ourselves, is actually a mystery. There are many theories about its origin, but no-one really knows.
Leicestershire folk are fond of calling people "mi duck". It was there I learned the word "mardy" - but refused to use it myself having discovered it came from the Norman invaders, and was a corruption of "merde". It seemed inappropriate to tell people I thought they were full of s**t !
ReplyDeleteThat I didn't know. I thought it was a corruption of moody! When I use it now it will be with a twinkle in my eye.
DeleteHaving moved years ago from Somerset to Hampshire I know all about local terms and meanings, I once loudly in an open office called someone a cheeky name, only to be told, 'here in Hampshire it means a nasty thing', so very red faced I gave an apology.
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be risky. On Tuesday I wrote about "alternative" forms of address and judging from some replies some which would be fine around here would definitely not be OK in other areas.
DeleteWe're all 'Me 'ansum' in Cornwall!
ReplyDeletea lovely title!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what we would be called other than Canucks. Love hearing about the language of other places.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dialect certainly enriches life!
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