A few years back, my mother and I were passing an old farmhouse down in the Niagara Penninsula (s.e.Ontario) which was something the worse for wear. My mother said, "Oh, that place has gone to look very Irish." I requested an explanation in a tone of voice which forewarned her of Political Correctness. I received an explanation which had one level of meaning more than the phrase originally warranted.

My mother's people were Cornish (and VERY proper) on her grandfather's side and Ulster Irish (and very NOT proper) on her grandmother's side. The Cornish side of the family had been most unhappy about their son marrying an Irish girl from the country. (This was around Peterborough, Ont.) The Cornish lot used to say something was looking very 'Irish' if it was unkempt and ragged 'round the edges.

However ...

As a little girl, my mother had loads of fun with the Irish side of the family, and nothing but lectures and pudding-basin haircuts from the Cornish side. SO, although it was SAID as an insult, it always meant to my mother that the people inside were probably out having fun rather than chained to a bucket and mop.

Now when I see places that are messy (like my own house!) I may not say they're looking 'very irish' but I do assume that the inhabitant is off doing something far more interesting than dusting.

No offense taken.

sian