GREETINGS to our Newest Members!

Post by **Inanna** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:29 am

We also like complex discussions so that V can have the pleasure of splitting posts into new threads. So, please go ahead.

Post by **Sassafras** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:42 am

Yeah, but we love him anyway.
Besides, it keeps him out of trouble.

Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:05 am

(for both Mahima and Sassy)

Post by **Primula Baggins** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:20 am

Mahima wrote:We also like complex discussions so that V can have the pleasure of splitting posts into new threads. So, please go ahead.

That's on even-numbered days, Mahima.

On odd-numbered days I go into the threads and wrench them off-topic so Voronwë's got a fresh crop to split the next morning.

Post by **MithLuin** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:45 am

So now I know the system!

Post by **Primula Baggins** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:52 am

Well, you know why I'm so busy, anyway.

Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:50 am

to our newest member, gormless burk.

Tell us something about yourself.

Post by **Jnyusa** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:58 am

Welcome, gormless!

Jn

Post by **Cerin** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:15 pm

What an interesting screen name. It reminds me of something, but I can't think what.

Welcome, gormless!

Post by **baby tuckoo** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:11 pm

Cerin, are you one of them Brits? You know, a Tommy. A Limey.

If you are, then you might know the term "gormless", which makes it into my Random House unabridged as a "casual use Britishism". But you have to be Scottish, I think, to know "burk." I sure didn't. Alys?

May god have mercy on our souls.

Post by **Jnyusa** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:16 pm

I knew what both those words meant, and I'm curious to see how they will manage to be simultaneously descriptive of one person.

Jn

Post by **vison** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:42 pm

I am quite familiar with both words. However, this brings up a question that has long, long puzzled me and kept me awake o' nights:

So "burk" is not the word which is usually spelled "berk" which is short for Berkshire Hunt which rhymes with you know what?

Do the Scots then use the word "burk" which is NOT "berk"? Or have they taken the word "berk", adapted it to their own use, and removed and/or ignored the naughty connotations?

I have a friend who is a "true Cockney" and he grew up doing the rhyming slang thing and it was he who first enlightened me on the word "berk" as it was used in his neck of the woods. Well, not woods, if you know what I mean. The East End of London, England, not London, Ont.

I knew Bristols, and I knew Apples and I knew Trouble, but I did not know "berk" until he told me.

Then I hear Scots say "burk" and I go all googly-eyed.

Post by **Cerin** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:08 am

*is thoroughly confused (in a thoroughly non-British way)*

Post by **Primula Baggins** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:15 am

Welcome, gormless burk!

I am as confused as anyone here (as anyone here could tell you).

Post by **baby tuckoo** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:23 am

Not to worry, Cerin. It'll get worse.

"Gormless" comes from the Old Norse (so Tolkien would have known it well) gaumr, meaning "heed" or "notice". Thus, one who lacks a clue.

The "burk" root we are still looking into. The book that will tell me (Partridge) is in my room at school, and I'm not going there today.

I wonder if the derogatory American name "Gomer" is a derivative.

gormless twit

Post by **truehobbit** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:31 am

*is shocked at vison's language experience*

I know "burk" as something rather harmless - and very much the same as "gormless". Which makes it quite easily simultaneously descriptive of one person.
So what I'm confused about is the confusion.

Or maybe I'm turning British?

(What bugs me is that I feel I remember where I first heard "gormless" but I don't really.)

Post by **Sassafras** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:52 am

I know gormless (the word, not the poster)

Burk or Burke (bûrk) Pronunciation Key
American frontierswoman and legendary figure of the Wild West. Often dressed in men's clothing, she was reputed to be a crack shot and an expert rider.

Post by **baby tuckoo** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:28 am

Sassafras wrote:
Burk or Burke (bûrk) Pronunciation Key
American frontierswoman and legendary figure of the Wild West. Often dressed in men's clothing, she was reputed to be a crack shot and an expert rider.

I don't think so.

Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:40 am

Says my good friend the Oxford English Dictionary:

Berk

Also birk, burk(e. [Abbrev. of Berkeley (or Berkshire) Hunt, rhyming slang for [you know what].]

A fool.

1936 J. CURTIS Gilt Kid vi. 66 ‘The berk.’ Jealousy and savage contempt blended in the Gilt Kid's tone. 1938 W. GREENWOOD Only Mugs Work vii. 49 ‘Stick the burke in a taxi,’ he said. 1954 ‘N. BLAKE’ Whisper in Gloom II. xiv. 197 ‘Don't be a little berk,’ he said, as Foxy showed signs of recalcitrance. 1959 J. OSBORNE Paul Slickey I. iv, The Tories were burglars, berks and bloodlusters. 1960 H. PINTER Dumb Waiter in Birthday Party & other Plays 141 You mutt... You birk! 1963 Sunday Express 10 Mar. 22/5 All my mates thought I was a burk to try to break away: now they know they were the burks.

Post by **baby tuckoo** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:46 am

Thanks, Maiden. I couldn't have gotten to my OED until tomorrow. Well, that explains the name. How about the person? Nebraska? Explain yourself to the baby.