Sunday throat (1905); Peas with a knife (1828); Ears lowered (1947)

[Michael Quinion]

> --- "James A. Landau" <JJJRLandau at AOL.COM> wrote:
>      I eat my peas with honey
>      I've done it all my life
>      It makes the peas taste funny
>      But they sure stay on my knife.

The Newark Advocate for 12 August 1933 has essentially the same
ditty, describing it as "an old rhyme":

  I eat my peas with honey,
    I've done it all my life.
  It does taste sort of funny.
    But it keeps them on my knife.

but adds a coda:

  Now do not look so snooty!
    This method is most able;
  Peas can't fulfill their duty
    When rolling round the table.

The Decatur Evening Herald for 9 February 1928 attributes a similar
rhyme to one J. Montroy. However, the Sheboygan Press for 22 November
1929 has another version:

  I eat mashed potatoes with my peas,
    I've done it all my life;
  I like the combination,
    'Cause it holds them on my knife.

Clearly a commentary on social mores that has some history!

--
Michael Quinion
Editor, World Wide Words
E-mail: <TheEditor at worldwidewords.org>
Web: <http://www.worldwidewords.org/>