The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55594 Message #865697
Posted By: Robin
13-Jan-03 - 02:02 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Finding of Moses / Pharaoh's Daughter
Subject: RE: Finding of Moses / Pharoah's Daughter
McGrath:
'"skivvie" and "slavey" means the same thing'.
Indeed, and that's what's a bit odd about it -- why does one term replace the other, since there's virtually no difference in meaning?
"slavey" is the earlier recorded -- from about 1810+. "skivvy" is first recorded in 1902. Early 20thC, they seem to co-exist, and a lot of the citations read "skivvy or slavey". Then after mibee 1920, it's "skivvy" virtually universally.
"skivvy", as McGrath rightly points out, was the lowest of the low. In a five-servant Edwardian household, it might run [descending] (female)-- housekeeper cook skivvy; (male) -- butler, boots. Add in the lady's maid.
But that's upmarket. The norm I'd guess is for there to have been one female servant -- the slavey/skivvy.
A muddle ...
Snuffy:
fitbaw?
Robin