LL-L "Etymology" 2010.09.09 (02) [EN] Correction

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*L O W L A N D S - L - 09 September 2010 - Volume 02
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From: Helge Tietz <helgetietz at yahoo.com>

Subject: lexicon



Hi all,

I just came across a Cologne person using the word "driss" which is a truly
Cologne and Ripuarian expression for "dirt" and can be used to express
objects of displeasure as well. Further to the north, in Krefeld (Lower
Franconian language area) the word "driss" becomes "driit", note, we have
crossed the Benrath line and the s becomes t in the end. Amazingly, in
Norwegian the same word is in use as in Krefeld (spelled "drit") meaning
exactly the same thing and is used in exactly the same context. Moreover,
English "dirt" is related to it and is said to be derived from the
Scandinavian "drit", obviously introduced by the Vikings about 1000 years
ago. However, neither Danish, nor Swedish, Dutch, Frisian or Low Saxon has
this expression (as far as I know) and I am wondering whether the word
"drit" (and its Ripuarian exivalent "driss") is derived from common Germanic
language heritage or whether it has been ex/imported to one or the other
area at one point. I am suspecting the former because the latter would mean
that there has been some linguistic contact between the Rhinelands and
Norway during the Viking age. It has been recorded that some Vikings
obviously sailed up the river Rhine but it would amaze me if those voyages
left a linguistic trace in the Rhinelands. Does anyone know about the
expression "drit/dirt/driss" and its linguistic origions?

Helge



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