old sayings

[a-l]

Can you imagine everyone walking around with their hands on their ha'pennies? what a picture that would have been! We could have been arrested!

[iluleah]

On researching my ancestors and the local area they lived in, I came across saying I had heard and how they came about

Not worth a brass farthing

Sir John  Harrington found favour with King James 1st of England when he entertained him at Burley House on his journey south from Scotland to take the throne of England on the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. The new King also had the chance to hunt in Exton Park before continuing his journey. This  became a mixed blessing when he was made guardian of King James' daughter, Elizabeth. The high cost of entertaining her ruined him. He was driven to minting his own money, made of brass, but this was valueless, leading to the saying "not worth a brass farthing".

Painting the town red

The red coated huntsmen along with the Marquis of Waterford  ran riot in the Leicestershire town of Melton Mowbray, with riotous behaviour, drinking and painting the town's toll-bar and several buildings red

[conahy calling]

A sandwich short for a picnic.    A brick missing from a wall

Another version used is "They are not the full shilling"

[Graham47]

Graham

I remember my mum telling a similar story but as "keep your hand on your ha'penny".  I think it might have been used in a song.

Inflation, eh ?

And I think you know very well what she meant !!

 

[radstockjeff]

A waste of effort........"You might just as well p**s on it for all the good that'll do!"

radstockjeff

[a-l]

Giving up. Throwing in the towel. Boxing origin ?

[Graham47]

As well as the old ones of course, new ones take their place.

When taking my children to other peoples houses for parties or sleepovers I always used to say to them, "Don't forget kids" and they would shout back "Yeh Dad we know, eat as much as you can!"

They now say it to their kids :-)

[a-l]

Good one Graham!

[iluleah]

A sandwich short for a picnic.    A brick missing from a wall

Another version used is "They are not the full shilling"

and........... the lights are on but no one is at home