The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #111679   Message #2356676
Posted By: Joybell
03-Jun-08 - 06:30 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Cornish Miners' Alphabet
Subject: RE: Origins: Cornish Miners' Alphabet
Also referring to the second half of the question --
There are several bawdy versions of alphabet rhymes.
I first read one at primary school when it was passed around in class. 1950s in Melbourne Australia. It begins:
A for the artful words he uses
B for the blush as she gently refuses ....
Finishes with
Z for the zip as he zips up his fly.
The last letter dates this version as fairly recent. Can only wonder what they used for a rhyme before zips.

It's online in several places -- or you can fill in the gaps easily.
Cheers, Joy