Geographical euphemisms?

[vida morkunas]

I know several people from Winnipeg (many of them move here because of our
balmy winters and cool summers) but I've never heard of a "Winnipeg
handshake".  Where did you hear this expression? Was it artistic license on
a radio/tv show, perhaps?

BTW, 'downloading' is commonly used in British Columbian ski resorts.

Vida.
in Vancouver BC
Canada



-----Original Message-----
From: American Dialect Society [mailto:ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU]On Behalf
Of Ben Ostrowsky
Sent: January 2, 2003 7:42 PM
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Geographical euphemisms?


Until I saw "Winnipeg handshake" (getting one's face smashed with a
bottle) online tonight, I wasn't aware that this might form a general
class of expressions.  "Bronx cheer" seems a likely member, as does
"Sicilian necktie", and I suppose broader slanders like "Dutch courage"
might also qualify.

I'd be interested in hearing about variations on these, as well as other
such items you may know about.  And is there a name for this sort of
thing?

Ben

--
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.
 It's already tomorrow in Australia." -- Charles M. Schulz