LL-L "Language varieties" 2003.06.14 (02) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 14.JUN.2003 (02) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From: Onthe3rdstone at aol.com
Subject: LL-L "Language varieties"

"bugger" meaning a person, usually a man, is found generally
in Scots and generally in British English.

"afore" meaning before is found generally in Scots and also
in the south-western dialects of English.

"hump" meaning carry is "humph" /hVmf/ in Scots - it's not
used in the "rude" sense that Ron mentions in Scots, though
"hump" in British English can be used this way.

Sandy
http://scotstext.org/

While browsing the local Half-Priced book store I happened across
several copies of Douglas Kynoch's Scottish
(Doric)-English/English-Scottish(Doric) Concise Dictionary in new
condition
with paper covers for 7 bucks. It is turning out to be a fun read, as I
did not know much about Scots. I was more aware of Gaelic. I will defer
to Sandy above and give the following only to
compliment,

It gives humph as both a noun and a verb. "n. hump, cuvature of the back
or spine; v. carry, lug, lift something heavy

Partridge's dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English gives the
sexual reference coming into the language "ca 1700-1800. Grose in 1785
remarking: 'Once a fashionable word".

I see that hump it means to die; lower classes (1923 Manchon) and
another example to depart; Cockney: late C. 19-20. Lyons 1906 in his
book Hookey

There is a fairly long listing for bugger giving examples as a good
fellow in French un bon bougre. as a noun. It also gives a reference to
Standard English from about the 16th C on as a
sodomite.

As a verb it defines bugger as to spoil, ruin, check or change
drastically

A number of references were give for insults, perjoratives, etc.

So much to learn..so little time

Alan Lewis
Everett, Washington

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From: Gary Taylor <gary_taylor_98 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Language Varieties

Hi

Hump to me can have both meanings of carry, plus the
American meaning depending on context. 'To hump
something around' would imply carrying something heavy
for a period of time, whereas 'to hump someone'
well... .

I would only use it in the phrase with 'around' to
mean to carry, not that I'd ever use it in the other
sense - I'm far too polite and British for that ;)

'Bugger' on the other hand has for me the 'Biblical'
sense and the sense of a nasty person. My gran would
often use this and 'sod' quite unaware of any other
meanings other than a bad person. It made us laugh.

Gary

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Language varieties

Gary:

> Hump to me can have both meanings of carry, plus the
> American meaning depending on context. 'To hump
> something around' would imply carrying something heavy
> for a period of time, whereas 'to hump someone'
> well... .

I suppose the most common American equivalent of "to hump something
around" would be "to lug something around," more slangish
(Yiddish-derived) "to shlepp something around" (Y. _shlepn_, German
_schleppen_, Lowlands Saxon _slepen_ 'to carry (something heavy)'.)

> 'Bugger' on the other hand has for me the 'Biblical'
> sense and the sense of a nasty person.

Apparently it is derived from "Bulgar" and originally denoted
'sodomizer'.  In non-American English it is also a verb meaning 'to
sodomize', but in slang also in phrases like "Bugger off!" 'Get lost!'

So, careful with this unless you understand the nuances and contexts
well.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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