Mrs. Figg's 'Cat among the Pixies'

[a_reader2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 93651

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "theadimail" <theadimail at y...> 
wrote:

>   Anyway, one phrase which I didn't understand perfectly was 
> Mundungus Fletcher's "keep your hairnet on". Can someone explain 
> what that might mean?

Carolyn:
Just a play on 'keep your hair on' I think, ie, calm down. Its a 
common UK expression of irritation at someone getting themselves 
upset. Presumably Mrs Figg is the kind of old lady who goes around in 
a hairnet, as a they often do here.

I assume the expression originates from a time when people wore wigs, 
and they slipped off or whatever if you got yourself agitated. Or 
perhaps people used to pull them off and throw them to make a point 
if they were angry ? Hm, the byways of history that Harry Potter 
takes you down!