The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #99152   Message #1974680
Posted By: George Papavgeris
21-Feb-07 - 06:12 AM
Thread Name: Absurdities in songs - any examples?
Subject: RE: Absurdities in songs - any examples?
Yes, according to Arbuthnot (circa 1690), the Scottish scholar.
But not a meaning widely remembered today, surely? Otherwise expressions like "clever dick" would take on new and wonderful dimensions; literally! Though "clever clogs" would sit quite well. If that was the original meaning (quite likely) I wonder why the folk process failed to update this song.

Anyway, I like my interpretation better - never fails to make me smile!