LL-L "Etymology" 2004.07.29 (12) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 29.JUL.2004 (12) * 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: Brooks, Mark <mark.brooks at twc.state.tx.us>
Subject: Phrase Origin

In the course of my work today, I came across a quaint phrase which set me
to wonderin' just where it came from.  From it's structure, I'm thinking
it's from the lowlands.

The context is that someone was presented with a direct question which
called for a direct answer, but the person began to "hem and haw," i.e.,
began to nervously answer with facts that weren't applicable to the
question, or tried to change the subject.  What's the origin of "hem and
haw"?

Mark Brooks

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