The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #83138 Message #1532121
Posted By: GUEST,Bob Coltman
31-Jul-05 - 01:14 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Raise a Ruckus (from Uncle Earl)
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Raise a Ruckus (from Uncle Earl)
Yes. "ruckus" -- Webster says it's probably a blend of ruction and rumpus and dates it to 1890 (but it has a good chance of being older).
What we pronounce ruck-us is often pronounced in Tennessee and southward as ROOKUS. Don't know if that's the original pronunciation and I judge Webster doesn't either.
It gave rise to a term for prohibition liquor. Have a listen to one of the great hot rag jazz numbers, The Memphis Jug Band's "Ruckus Juice and Chitlins." It'll spin your head.
Bob