Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/153

136 RADICAL.—Used generally as a term of reproach. "That little chap be a proper young Radical, a wunt do nothun' his mother tells un."

RAFTY.—Rancid.

RAG.—Is commonly used in combinations, thus: one's dress is said to be in "rags an' tatters" when very much torn or worn into holes. "Not a rag to put on" is a phrase used by a woman signifying only that she has no dress suitable for the occasion in question. "Tag, rag, an' bobtaail" refers to the lowest class of the community, who may have no regular calling or work."

RAG-A-MUFFIN.—A troublesome or mischievous little boy.

RAG-BAG.—A large bag hung up in the kitchen of a farmhouse to receive odd pieces of linen and cuttings from calico, &c. This "rag-bag" is resorted to in case of a cut finger, or in any of the numerous instances where the contents are useful.

RAGGIN'.—A scolding.

RAKERS ATER.—The women who rake up what may be left behind by the Pitchers at barley cart, oat cart, or hay cart.

RAMPAAYGE.—A wild temper. "A be in a vrightvul rampaayge about what 'e hev a-done to 'un."

To give vent to one's anger very audibly.

"Rampaaygious" and "" are also commonly used

RAMPIN'.—A crazy longing.

RAMSHACKLE.—So much out of repair as to be tumbling to pieces. "That ther bern be got zo ramshackle I me-ans to pull 'un down an' build a new 'un."

RANDIN'.—Piece-meal.

RANNEL.—Hungry to excess, voracious.

RANTERS.—A religious sect mustering somewhat strongly in some neighbourhoods is so called; they are fervid and demonstrative in their services.

RASCALLY.—Scampish. "A rascally chap like that ther got no business to be wi' we as yarns a honest livin'."

RASTLE, or WRASTLE.—To wrestle. "If 'e thinks 'e be a man I'ooll rastle 'e vor a quart."