Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/65

46 BACK UP.—A person very angry and ready to fight is said to have his "back up." Many animals, as cats, ferrets, &c., elevate their backs when ready for action.

BAD.—Always used for " ill." "A was bad vor a year or moor avoor a died."

BAD DOER.—An animal that, no matter how well fed, never thrives. A good doer is the reverse of this.

BADGER.—To worry or teaze. "If a badgers 'un any moor a ooll get his back up."

BAG.—A cow's udder. She's got a good bag, i.e. (gives much milk). "To bag" is also used (by boys principally) for 'to purloin.'

BAG-O-BWONES.—A person who has become extremely thin.

BALK.—To thwart. "He balked muh jus as I was a-goin' to shoot by callin' out like that ther."

BALLET.—A long string of songs on a single sheet sold by itinerant vendors.

BALLY RAGGIN'.—Loud continuous fault-finding and scolding.

BALSER.—The largest size stone marble, specially used by boys for "long taw."

BAMBOOZLE.—To deceive; to hoodwink; to make a fool of one.

BAME.—Balm.

BANDY.—The game hocky or hurling is so called.

BANG.—Quite; totally; decisively. Thee'd best go bang awaay. "A bang" is also any sharp loud noise.

BANGER.—Something very large; an exaggerated story, hence a lie. "A banger" on the yead means a resounding blow.

BANGIN'.—A very large quantity. "He gin I a bangin' helpin' o' plum pudden."

BANSKITTLE.—The little fish also called stickleback.

BARBERED.—To have barber's service, such as having one's hair cut, &c., performed. "I be a-gwaayn to be barbered.