LL-L "Etymology" 2002.07.19 (02) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 19.JUL.2002 (02) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
 Web Site: <http://www.sassisch.net/rhahn/lowlands/>
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 A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian L=Limburgish
 LS=Low Saxon (Low German) S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic Z=Zeelandic (Zeeuws)
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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Etymology

Sandy, Lowlanders,

Yesterday I responded regarding "punnet" (a small container --
originally probably a basket -- for berries, etc.), and I said that it
is not only used in Scotland but also in common use in Australia and New
Zealand:

> According to the _Oxford Dictionary_, the origin of the word is
> unclear ([Of obscure origin: perh. f. _pun_, dial. for POUND n.1
> + ET.]).

> So, perhaps it came from Scots (or Northumbrian) *_pun(d)_ 'pound'
> and came to be extended diminutively to _punnet_ ("little pound"),
> analogously to "pun" > (arch./obs.) "punnet" (little pun).  Just a
> theory.  Given very strong Scottish representation in Australia,
> the word would have been taken directly downunder (i.e., not via
> England).

Interestingly, I could not find the word in the _Chambers Concise Scots
Dictionary_.  (Yes, I did look for alternative spelling. Perhaps not far
enough?)  Could that mean that mean that _punnet_ is not Scots but comes
from Scottish English, from Northumbrian or from certain English
dialects?

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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