Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Badger
Posts: 77
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2001 4:10 pm

Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Badger » Sat Jun 22, 2002 5:43 pm

Okay. Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A subject which I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". Australians are "Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( from their National bird). Germans are "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of sauerkraut, a favorite National food). The British, (the MG connection), are "Brits", "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I can venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there was a popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, "Blame me for the bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been used in a way similar to the way, today, we might say "well, f**k me" or, "I'll be damned" to express dismay or consternation. In time, this original Elizabethan expression yielded four separate expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became "blimey!" And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular "Bloody!", "Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and "Christ!". My question is, where does "Pom" come from? Of course "pomme" is French for apple but I can't figure a connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" anyway. I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my computer's spell checker to assume the fetal position in a corner of my monitor screen with its thumb in its mouth. Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also known as "the great satan" - but I don't know why..... Inquiring Badgers want to know [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mark McCombs
Posts: 117
Joined: Sat Nov 27, 1999 4:38 pm

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Mark McCombs » Sat Jun 22, 2002 5:51 pm

"Limey" came from the British sailing fleets use of limes to prevent scurvey. It was a somewhat a mystery preventive cure before vitamins were understood. Mark TC8126 Back from two months traveling
----- Original Message ----- From: "BADGER" mrbadger@cox.net> To: "MG-TABC" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2002 8:15 PM Subject: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. > Okay. > Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A subject which I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. > We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". Australians are "Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( from their National bird). Germans are "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of sauerkraut, a favorite National food). The British, (the MG connection), are "Brits", "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I can venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there was a popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, "Blame me for the bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been used in a way similar to the way, today, we might say "well, f**k me" or, "I'll be damned" to express dismay or consternation. In time, this original Elizabethan expression yielded four separate expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became "blimey!" And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular "Bloody!", "Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and "Christ!". My question is, where does "Pom" come from? Of course "pomme" is French for apple but I can't figure a connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" anyway. > I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. > > Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my computer's spell checker to assume the fetal position in a corner of my monitor screen with its thumb in its mouth. > > Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. > P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also known as "the great satan" - but I don't know why..... > > Inquiring Badgers want to know > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > >

Bill Hentzen
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2001 5:58 pm

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Bill Hentzen » Sat Jun 22, 2002 9:19 pm

> -----Original Message----- > From: BADGER [mailto:mrbadger@cox.net] > Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2002 7:15 PM > To: MG-TABC > Subject: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. > > > Okay. > Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A > subject which I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. > We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". > Australians are "Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New > Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( from their National bird). Germans are > "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of sauerkraut, a favorite > National food). The British, (the MG connection), are "Brits", > "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I can > venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there > was a popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, > "Blame me for the bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been > used in a way similar to the way, today, we might say "well, f**k > me" or, "I'll be damned" to express dismay or consternation. In > time, this original Elizabethan expression yielded four separate > expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became "blimey!" > And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the > original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular > "Bloody!", "Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and > "Christ!". My question is, where does "Pom" come from? Of > course "pomme" is French for apple but I can't figure a > connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" anyway. > I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. > > Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my > computer's spell checker to assume the fetal position in a corner > of my monitor screen with its thumb in its mouth. > > Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps > more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a > reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. > P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also > known as "the great satan" - but I don't know why..... > > Inquiring Badgers want to know > > This Badger from the State of Wisconsin has had the good fortune to have
been allowed into the great Land of OZ on two occasions. So, may I suggest you try: Goggle-Pom as in English, which will lead you into a wonderful bit of history on the 'Land down Under'. Indeed, a special place filled with very special people. Do the dawn ceremony in observance of Anzac Day if you get to Australia-awesome! From that site you will read that POM comes from POHM which was on the back of each of the 'Prisoner of His Majesty' that was sent to Australia after the American Colonies were filled up. Perhaps, our good mate Jeff Redman will jump in on this. He can always say things in the right fashion. Cheers! Bill
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > >

Donald Wilkinson
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2002 9:01 am

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Donald Wilkinson » Sat Jun 22, 2002 11:05 pm

Hey Badge: Digitaldon sorta recalls apochryphal references to "Limey" also being derived from British sailors practice of having a lotta limes among ship's stores, and sucking on same to avoid Scurvy, a malady caused by certain dietary deficiences during long cruises aboard old time ragbag ships. Don TC 7993
>From: "BADGER" mrbadger@cox.net> >To: "MG-TABC" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> >Subject: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. >Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 20:15:25 -0400 > >Okay. >Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A subject which >I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. >We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". Australians are >"Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( >from their National bird). Germans are "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of >sauerkraut, a favorite National food). The British, (the MG connection), >are "Brits", "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I >can venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there was a >popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, "Blame me for the >bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been used in a way similar to the >way, today, we might say "well, f**k me" or, "I'll be damned" to express >dismay or consternation. In time, this original Elizabethan expression >yielded four separate expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became >"blimey!" And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the >original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular "Bloody!", >"Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and "Christ!". My question >is, where does "Pom" come from? Of course "pomme" is French for apple but >I can't figure a connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" >anyway. >I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. > >Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my computer's spell >checker to assume the fetal position in a corner of my monitor screen with >its thumb in its mouth. > >Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more >likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the >lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. >P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also known as "the >great satan" - but I don't know why..... > >Inquiring Badgers want to know > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >
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David Lodge
Posts: 156
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:44 pm

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by David Lodge » Sun Jun 23, 2002 12:23 pm

Monsieur le Badge, Digitaldon et al, Clearly Mr. B shares a fascination with etymology with this particular Brit/Limey/Pom! POMMY abbreviated to POM, Slang, Common to the Antipodes. The initials stand for Prisoner of Mother England. Coined, no doubt, due to our relentless comparisons of foreign climes with our own blessed plot. [Just ask my (Canadian) wife!] Limey derives from the barrels of lime JUICE carried aboard H.M's sailing ships of yore. Blimey is derived from the ancient Brit oath of asking the Almighty to take one's sight. " Gor Blimey!" Regards, David Lodge, (a Brit/Limey/Pom, and proud of it!)
> Hey Badge: > > Digitaldon sorta recalls apochryphal references to "Limey" also being > derived from British sailors practice of having a lotta limes among ship's > stores, and sucking on same to avoid Scurvy, a malady caused by certain > dietary deficiences during long cruises aboard old time ragbag ships. > > Don > TC 7993 > > >> From: "BADGER" mrbadger@cox.net> >> To: "MG-TABC" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> >> Subject: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. >> Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 20:15:25 -0400 >> >> Okay. >> Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A subject which >> I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. >> We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". Australians are >> "Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( >> from their National bird). Germans are "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of >> sauerkraut, a favorite National food). The British, (the MG connection), >> are "Brits", "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I >> can venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there was a >> popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, "Blame me for the >> bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been used in a way similar to the >> way, today, we might say "well, f**k me" or, "I'll be damned" to express >> dismay or consternation. In time, this original Elizabethan expression >> yielded four separate expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became >> "blimey!" And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the >> original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular "Bloody!", >> "Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and "Christ!". My question >> is, where does "Pom" come from? Of course "pomme" is French for apple but >> I can't figure a connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" >> anyway. >> I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. >> >> Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my computer's spell >> checker to assume the fetal position in a corner of my monitor screen with >> its thumb in its mouth. >> >> Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more >> likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the >> lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. >> P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also known as "the >> great satan" - but I don't know why..... >> >> Inquiring Badgers want to know >> >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> >> >> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ >> >> > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Join the world s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. > http://www.hotmail.com > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

LuckyFloridaLin@aol.com
Posts: 169
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2003 10:42 pm

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by LuckyFloridaLin@aol.com » Sun Jun 23, 2002 8:28 pm

Dear Badger; Gringos comes from a popular song that was sung by The US Cavalry during the Pancho Villa bandito era viz; "Green Grows the Grass".This sounded like Gringos the grass to the Espanol ear. Tally Ho! Thom Collins [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

i.thomson@talk21.com
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2001 1:00 am

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by i.thomson@talk21.com » Mon Jun 24, 2002 12:47 am

As I am sure other "limeys" will point out the term derives from the lime juice used at sea in the days of sailing ships to prevent scurvey which killed a lot of sailors. IT ----------It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs.
>
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Jeff & Merryl Redman
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2001 3:40 am

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Jeff & Merryl Redman » Mon Jun 24, 2002 1:32 am

'Strewth Bill.... what a wrap-up...!!' If all Americans are like Bill and Margery Hentzen, you're always more than welcome down here. Shame about the distance. Bill once wrote that to visit 'Oz from the USA was so far that you blokes were almost on the way back home by the time you got here . That's why we invented QANTAS! OK. to the subject at hand ----- Mark and Don are right.. The British seafarers, iron men in wooden ships, had big problems with scurvey caused by the lack of vitamin C - limes went some way to providing relief to the problem.. But who actually started calling them 'Limeys' is another question .... 'Pommies'..... A slightly derisive connotation, the origins are probably in rhyming slang - "Immigrant" - 'Jimmy Grant' - "Pomegran'te" - "Pommy" - "Pom"! One popular theory runs that these new-chums arrived on the docks here with pale skins, but with rosy cheeks... just like pomegranates. Also confirming other threads re transportation of convicts, the term also grew from official terms in the days of transportation, the letters P.O.M.E - (Prisoner Of Mother England) Finally, and to finish boring everyone... a 'Big Thank You' to everyone who responded helping list the current whereabouts of the first 100 TC's. (Should have had the brains to first check Walter's listing) There's 3 blokes here who really appreciate this electronic wizardry which allows a bunch of Pommies, Yanks and Aussies (and others too) to get together fiddling about with the wherebouts of a handfull of old sports cars -- which in the great scheme of things probably means bugger-all to the rest of the uncaring world. Cheers to the 'Group From.'Reddo. (somewhat impaired by the best part of a bottle of The Hunter's Finest!)
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Hentzen" bill@rangelinemews.com> To: "mg-tabc" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2002 2:20 PM Subject: RE: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: BADGER [mailto:mrbadger@cox.net] > > Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2002 7:15 PM > > To: MG-TABC > > Subject: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. > > > > > > Okay. > > Here's a quasi-pukka question regarding a word derivation. A > > subject which I find at least as interesting as tonneau cover snaps. > > We Americans are "Yanks" or in some areas, "Gringos". > > Australians are "Ausies" (A shortened form of Australian), New > > Zealanders are "Kiwis" ( from their National bird). Germans are > > "Krauts" (obviously a shortening of sauerkraut, a favorite > > National food). The British, (the MG connection), are "Brits", > > "Limeys", or "Poms". The derivation of "Brit" is obvious. I can > > venture a guess as to the derivation of "Limey". I believe there > > was a popular expression in Elizabethan England which went, > > "Blame me for the bloody corpse of Christ" which would have been > > used in a way similar to the way, today, we might say "well, f**k > > me" or, "I'll be damned" to express dismay or consternation. In > > time, this original Elizabethan expression yielded four separate > > expletives, "blame me" with a Cockney accent, became "blimey!" > > And hence, "Limey". The other three expletives which the > > original Elizabethan expression yielded are the ever popular > > "Bloody!", "Cor!" (again, corpse with a Cockney accent), and > > "Christ!". My question is, where does "Pom" come from? Of > > course "pomme" is French for apple but I can't figure a > > connection and everybody knows the French are "Frogs" anyway. > > I am genuinely curious and mean no offense to anyone. > > > > Incidentally, the previous few sentences have caused my > > computer's spell checker to assume the fetal position in a corner > > of my monitor screen with its thumb in its mouth. > > > > Postus Scriptus: It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps > > more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a > > reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. > > P.S.#2: In some quarters of the globe, we Americans are also > > known as "the great satan" - but I don't know why..... > > > > Inquiring Badgers want to know > > > > This Badger from the State of Wisconsin has had the good fortune to have > been allowed into the great Land of OZ on two occasions. So, may I suggest > you try: Goggle-Pom as in English, which will lead you into a wonderful bit > of history on the 'Land down Under'. Indeed, a special place filled with > very special people. > > Do the dawn ceremony in observance of Anzac Day if you get to > Australia-awesome! > > From that site you will read that POM comes from POHM which was on the back > of each of the 'Prisoner of His Majesty' that was sent to Australia after > the American Colonies were filled up. > > Perhaps, our good mate Jeff Redman will jump in on this. He can always say > things in the right fashion. > > Cheers! > > Bill > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

Donald Wilkinson
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2002 9:01 am

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Donald Wilkinson » Mon Jun 24, 2002 9:03 am

Hear, hear. OBTW, I like that Talisker. Don TC 7993 PS: I thawt Australia started life as a penal colony (Devil's Island of the Antipodes); "Success" anchored there for decades, etc. D
>From: "Jeff & Merryl Redman" redcigar@ozemail.com.au> >To: "Bill Hentzen" bill@rangelinemews.com> >CC: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> >Subject: Re: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. >Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 09:23:06 +1000 > >'Strewth Bill.... what a wrap-up...!!' > >If all Americans are like Bill and Margery Hentzen, you're always more than >welcome down here. Shame about the distance. Bill once wrote that to >visit >'Oz from the USA was so far that you blokes were almost on the way back >home >by the time you got here . >That's why we invented QANTAS! >OK. to the subject at hand ----- >Mark and Don are right.. The British seafarers, iron men in wooden ships, >had big problems with scurvey caused by the lack of vitamin C - limes went >some way to providing relief to the problem.. But who actually started >calling them 'Limeys' is another question .... > >'Pommies'..... A slightly derisive connotation, the origins >are probably in rhyming slang - "Immigrant" - 'Jimmy Grant' - >"Pomegran'te" - "Pommy" - "Pom"! One popular theory runs that these >new-chums arrived on the docks here with pale skins, but with rosy >cheeks... >just like pomegranates. >Also confirming other threads re transportation of convicts, the term also >grew from official terms in the days of transportation, the letters >P.O.M.E - >(Prisoner Of Mother England) > >Finally, and to finish boring everyone... a 'Big Thank You' to everyone who >responded helping list the current whereabouts of the first 100 TC's. >(Should have had the brains to first check Walter's listing) >There's 3 blokes here who really appreciate this electronic wizardry which >allows a bunch of Pommies, Yanks and Aussies (and others too) to get >together fiddling about with the wherebouts of a handfull of old sports >cars -- which in the great scheme of things probably means bugger-all to >the >rest of the uncaring world. > >Cheers to the 'Group >From.'Reddo. >(somewhat impaired by the best part of a bottle of The Hunter's Finest!)
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Ray
Posts: 165
Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:55 pm

Re: Yanks, Ausies, and Poms.

Post by Ray » Wed Jun 26, 2002 12:28 pm

Worst of all, is where those cliffs came from.......... Best, Ray
----- Original Message ----- From: i.thomson@talk21.com> To: mrbadger@cox.net>; mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 3:40 AM Subject: Re: [mg-tabc] Yanks, Ausies, and Poms. > > As I am sure other "limeys" will point out the term derives from the lime juice used at sea in the days of sailing ships to prevent scurvey which killed a lot of sailors. > > IT > > ----------It has occurred to me that another, and perhaps more likely, possible derivation for "limey" would be as a reference to the lime-rich and well known Dover white cliffs. > > > > > > > -------------------- > talk21 your FREE portable and private address on the net at http://www.talk21.com > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

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