The original thread slightly related to my query has had nowt new since 2002, so I'm starting over, especially as my request is way more specific, to wit; why would the owner of the Bonham/banbh/?? suggest that the devil take him/it for a pig, if he/it were a pig already? Why is that an insult? I know pigs are clever animals, but.. On June Tabor's version (ashes and diamonds) it sounds to me like she sings Bondman, which makes more sense. Any comments? Any experts on Irish slang? Would an indebted enslaved labourer have been referred to as a piglet? Is there a sensible answer out there? please..