3/7/09
Brit' Word of the Day
Today’s BWOTD even makes me laugh when I use it or hear it:“Oh it’s all just a load of old codswallop”‘Codswallop’ = NonsenseThis word reputedly dates back to 1872 when an Englishman, Hiram Codd, thought up the idea of putting a marble and a rubber ring in the neck of bottles in order to keep beer ("wallop" in Olde English) fizzy. He thought the pressure from the fizz would keep the marble pushed against the ring and thereby seal the bottle. Unfortunately, the thing didn’t work and "codd's wallop" became popular first as a comment about flat beer and eventually as a general term of abuse.This story however, may itself be a load of old codswallop?
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8 comments:
Stopping in from SITS - I love funny British words like that... even if I do get strange looks for using them. ;)
I use that phrase quite a lot when applicable. I must say, working in an international organization, it certainly has my US colleagues thinking here we go again what is this one on about. Whilst I have the opportunity I woud like to congratulate you on your blog. Its marvellous and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I remember the Monty Python sketch where two of them would stand and smack each other with a 'wet' fish.
Yes I've no idea why now but anyway, that was a literal cod wallop....unless it was salmon and then it's not so funny !
I'm amazed at how many of these BWDs there are! Wow!
OH! This is one of my favorite words! It sounds just like what it means! Or something along those lines.....what great tale!
I love hearing all of your 'special' words, Sarah... Thanks for sharing.
Have a good week. We're going to Arkansas on vacation tomorrow.
Hugs,
Betsy
Great word!
we have a friend from England and my daughter loves listening to him speak. She will Ab LOVE this blog. Her favorties are
Bunged Up-- Stuffy Nose
All U Min E Um --Aluminum
Viit-ahh--miiin-- Vitamins
carole
xoxo
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