The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #72263   Message #3199902
Posted By: Steve Gardham
01-Aug-11 - 02:45 PM
Thread Name: Folklore/Linguistics: What's a Rinktum?
Subject: RE: Folklore/Linguistics: What's a Rinktum?
I might add that 'flummery' of course has long meant polite nonsense.
By 1811 the phrase 'Balum Rancum' was being used to describe a hop or dance by prostitutes in the nude. This would seem to fit the subject of the ballad and may relate to 'Rigdum Bolleram'.