Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/49

 80 INTRODUCTORY.

VI.

••SAYINGS" AND PHRASES.

Dwoant never buy a Peg in a Pwo-ak, — This proverb is very common ; it signifies that one should not make a bargain without previous thorough knowledge of what one is acquiring.

A wkistlin' 'Ooman an' a crawin' Hen Be-ant good vor God nor it tor Men.

This is quoted with reference to a woman who attempts to do anything which would be more properly performed by a man. Wliistling is held to be unwomanly, and it may be added that there is almost as strong a feeling in some communities in Berkshire against men or boys whistling on Sundays as there may be in any part of Scotland.

As frond as a Hen at' one Chick, — A very common sa3ring with reference to one who is not able to conceal pleased pride about some matter, such as the success of a child at school, &c.

Raain avoor Zeten vine avoor 'Leven is a very common weather proverb.

greets those who commence the day with buoyant spirits too audibly apparent to others.
 * Zing aroor Breakcns* Cry aroar Night'* is the phrase which

To require anything, as mnch as a Two-ad wants a Zide-pockut^ is the expression to indicate that the thing asked for is quite unnecessar}" and unsuited to the person who makes the application.

What be good for the Haay he bad wr the Tnrmmis, — This saying has special reference to the fact that fine hay-making weather s bad for the }x>ung turnips, which require warm rain, but it is commonly made use of with respect to an}-thing that may be good in one way and bad in another.

There are many "sayings" respecting thrift, which is looked on as a very high virtue indeed. Commonly quoted by pruden: housewives we have —

Tcv-^s/ Ytr BrtJid An* rdskfr er VitUk, An" *s i^mg ^s /' hvts Tkfe ^i mertr tt Rhk,

«• New Bread, new Beer, an gre-an ^Ood, 'nil bring Rnin to any mans hcnse."