The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #42319 Message #4198120
Posted By: GUEST,Bristol Kid
27-Feb-24 - 07:12 AM
Thread Name: Meaning of Twanky Dillo
Subject: RE: Meaning of Twanky Dillo
"A roaring pair of bagpipes, made from the green willow"
Bellows have two plates, called the top plate and the bottom plate. Hence a "pair" of bellows (or bagpipes). The word "bellows" is singular, but has a plural form. Rather like "scissors" - also kingular, but which has a plural form.
Any wood might have be used to make the bellows plates, but a willow wand was needed as a rib to keep the leather in tension.
Hence, "green willow".
See this YouTube video on making old bellows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmDCZKh5wkE
The word "cole" is of Middle English origin, meaning "swarthy", "coal-black" or "charcoal". This would seem to add weight to its origin as a blacksmith's song.
As to possible sexual connotations, lots of old song lyrics include a reference to a "lusty smith".
One version of the song includes this verse:
"Here's a health to a pretty maid,
The kind I love best,
Who kindles a fire,
All in her own breast."
Which adds an implied meaning to the chorus which follows it ...