Idioms and slang (was: English slang (semi- sorta on topic))

[jeffl1965]

No: HPFGUIDX 80473

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Geoff Bannister" 
<gbannister10 at a...> wrote:

   <snipped>


> > >   Jeff:
> > 
> >    Indeed. Most people don't know the origin of bloody, which 
> > should've gotten Ron smacked for saying infront of an adult, 
> > especially a lady teacher! 
> >    For those who don't know, Bloody is a contracted form of the 
> > swear " Blood of Christ" or "by the blood of Christ" iirc, and is 
a 
> > very serious swear, which is why its used so much in UK 
comedies.  
> >   Blimey, the old cockney swear, is shorted from Gor, blimey, or 
> God 
> > Blind me! This can also get a kid a swat on the bum if he's not 
> > careful. :)
> >    Also, while we're on regions, it should be noted that for 
years 
> > the Londoners always considered the Northerers, from Merseyside 
and 
> > Liverpool and all Cockney's to be savages. Speaking cockney or 
> > scouse, was considered to be a sign of lower intelligence, so Ron 
> > would be considered to be a dolt. However, since the Weasleys are 
> > from near Devon, iirc, I don't really think they'd speak like 
that, 
> > but then again, they use Oi a lot, so maybe they do have a thick 
> > accent. Comments?
> > 
> 
> 
> Geoff (the traditionally spelt one!):
> Curiously, I was always under the impression that bloody was a 
> corruption of "by Our Lady" - ie in Cathlolic speak, Mary.

   Jeff (the bastardized spelling;) ):

   Well, it could be. I was just stating what I had been told, and 
had read. The traditional retelling of what it means could be 
regional. And we won't even discuss willies or goolies, will we? :)


   Jeff