Hi Alice, perhaps you should re-read my post. I said that your husband's explanation was consistent with the others. I made no comment, far less disparaging remark about his ability in any field, it was you who mentioned "wierd stabs". I was just pointing out that, as you quoted no other source, your husbands or your opinions are worth hearing, but that is all they are: your opinions.

On the other hand whether you like it or not, the lexicogrphers of the OED, Bruce, the Folk Music Society of Ireland, etc. have done, and continure to do, extensive research and quote their sources. If you consider giving reasons and sources to back up an explanation pedantic, you're entitled to that opinion, but I don't see why you think that detracts from rather than enhances, anyones enlightenment?

We are all well aware that the folk world is full of people who make erroneous claims in (presumably) good faith; the McPeake family's claims to "Wild mountain thyme" springs to mind; so you will I think find that people here offer, as we did above, an explanation and source, but will rarely make definitive statements that "This is ...." to the exclusion of other ideas or opinions.

Pete M