[HPFGU-OTChatter] More British Phrases

[Simon]

Simon wrote: "I have had a quick gander at the forum boards at the Warner
Brothers Harry Potter Movie"
The Heir of Gryffindor: "Where on earth did this phrase come from - are male
geese known to spend a lot of time looking at things? And is "I had a quick
goose at the forum boards" something completely different?"
Neil: "In this context, gander has nothing to do with male geese.  According
to my dictionary, it's a slang word derived from the Old English 'gandra' -
to have a look at something.  It's used quite commonly (I use it too) but
I'd always assumed it was Cockney rhyming slang until I looked it up.
Rhyming with what, though?  Salamader?"

Thanks go to Neil for explaining this. I had always wondered, but had never
found an answer. It is a phrase I use quite often, but normally remember to
remove before posting as I guess many would not understand the use of the
word gander.

I will be posting my comments on The Amber Spyglass later, have to write
them first!


Ben - I will reply to your e-mail soon. I am still thinking about it.

Simon
--
Dominus Illuminatio Mea ...
"The Lord is my light, and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"
-Psalm 27