Origins: Emmits

Subject: Origins: Emmits
From: Bill Brillo
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 05:49 PM

Whilst searching for info on 'Gimme Crack Corn' I noticed a comment from Rich R about lyrics including the word Emmits. As this thread was several years ago it's probably of no importance but Emmi(e)ts is a West Country (Devon/Cornwall) meaning ants and has come to be used as a slang term for tourists. I don't have a copy of the lyrics Rich R was referring to but just in case he's still out there and is still interested here's my two penn'orth.

Subject: RE: Origins: Emmits
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 07:06 PM

I believe it was William Blake who wrote
   
    The eagle's mile, the emmet's inch
    Give Science's flabby bum a pinch

Subject: RE: Origins: Emmits
From: alanabit
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:40 AM

Yes. "Emmits" is an old English word, which we use in Cornwall for tourists. In Devon, they use the word "Grockles". The word turned up in one of my own (very obscure) songs. No doubt other writers have used it when poking fun at tourists. It's a bit of a sport at home!

Subject: RE: Origins: Emmits
From: Paul Burke
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 03:10 AM

It's the same word as ant. You can see the transitional form in the town of Ampthill (= ant hill) near Bedford UK. Perhaps that name should be in the funny placesnames thread.

Subject: RE: Origins: Emmits
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 03:47 PM

So called because they appear in their hundreds (or thousands) in the sunny weather. Dorset also refers to them as 'grockles', a 'grockleshell' of course, being a caravan.

LTS