That seemed like a proper "Victorian" accent, if you know what I mean. But, although there are now many variations on how the word gets used, that one seems genuinely timeless. If it's Anglo-Saxon, I can well imagine it being used that way when Aelfred's plans went suddenly wrong in AD 955 or whenever.
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ReplyDeleteThat seemed like a proper "Victorian" accent, if you know what I mean. But, although there are now many variations on how the word gets used, that one seems genuinely timeless. If it's Anglo-Saxon, I can well imagine it being used that way when Aelfred's plans went suddenly wrong in AD 955 or whenever.
Mary had a little lamb
ReplyDeleteShe also had a bear
And everywhere that Mary went
You'd see her bear behind.
(childhood favourite)
Sam - I like the thought of Aelfred sounding off about things going badly and this is the only word modern ears can pick out with ease.
ReplyDeletedearieme - that rings a bell. Haven't heard it for a while though.