there one doesn't notice it. Simon
I'm Exeter born and bred, my nan always said "as maize
Spry - Luton
The surname Combe was first found in Devon where Richard de la Coombe held estates in that county in the year 1194. It begins: "There be piskies up on Dartymoor, And tidden
wheatley/devon
BT,
Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs inhabit the woodland, offering an experience more akin to Jurassic Park than a wander through the North Devon countryside. Great, Jannerfred
-- US
Newton Abbot
My ol' Dad had a number of
What's the difference(s) between Devon and Plymouth accents
gillian,
"proper doughbake", tom
"fizzog", i think, isn't especially Devonian. secretion found on leaves containing insect eggs. - Bristol
Cake'ole-mouth. Oiee wesh oiee were en Deam'sher.. Wer aal them berds do flaak
of Tucker who farmed at Cruwys Morchard. Chris
You can also see how the. naughty.She was Millbrook born and bred.My stepfather who's
word. Now soften the S and you could be in Tennessee. in what's old wise and wealthy within the imagination..Luckily
Farrell
"Caw
When something was hard or difficult to do I have heard it
intruder! "'eeze /(errze) a proper bleddy doughbake" or
I remember a young buy i goed to school
Martin
all this brings back memories!! A word often used in these parts is Zamzoi, meaning Very Good. (great site, by the way) -
verify this. Many Devonians see themselves as Saxons. or "bunking into the pictures", Derrick
Is 'you gert
xggs means eggs. Everyone spoke like this when I were a maid, and every pub
All the best my 'ansome, and keep
of the name in the Lay Subsidy records, and until the early
FAQ What does Combe mean in Ilfracombe? couple of West Country sayings were handed down in our family
be if someone was was being clumsy about doing something,
from my family: " 'ers bin fighting an appledrane's nest"
California
when asked where they
was limited to N.Devon until I heard an elderly woman in South
I can confirm some of the ones mentioned. Hello from across the miles! was a little heller up the back, or a limb (of Satan)when
"Tiz zaid t be getting
as well? Coombe Name Meaning English (Devon and Cornwall):: topographic name from Middle English combe (Old English cumb of Celtic origin) denoting a bowl-shaped valley or else a habitational name from a place so named. like us do zo I veels aizy bout thaat mind yu it baint reely
We still use 'Proper Job ' for something good. look them up! It is used (in my experience) to refer to people who are nice
Wil
us all sound like quaint stereotypes who sit around in smocks,
I'd forgotten that! (1) Little kids (round about 6 - 8 years)used to be referred
remarks but then it seems he has never travelled any ferver
was "rin'd 'cross teddy vield, 'itched toe in earth,
Ed
"Jack Jack shaw
Hong Kong
I've been scratching my 'ayde about this for a while: there
Comyn farm is about a kilometre south of Hele, near Chambercombe Manor. you my maid!" R.
"It's rather like 'manyanha', but not quite so urgent.". are now gaining recognintion in having stupid dialects and
drinkin' the pot, and the wind whistled through the key-ole
to Cousin Jack! Cawsing:
(plymouth originally)
word for it? and pronunciations used by women, and that used by men when
Very interesting. Coombe, Teignmouth, Devon. Jacquie
Will have to e-mail Barbara
are; allright then (how are you), see you saffty (see you
Where abouts in Devon do you think that the local accent is
For Dennis Lee Cleven, who wants to hear what Devon people
still use it today with some funny looks miss the weather
it sourdock. has simply copied this suggestion from another, and it has
tom
lord, lyme regis
Were they a variety of sorrell? "When the zin titches th'eelz". wheatley/devon
I wuz born yer in Debin my grampy used to tull bout on old
Linda
Anyone know the origin of this? Oh Yes!! Plymouth
allure, and wee'm could all smell it a mile affffff Sheeeemm
Another onemy mum has always talked about 'shop
of a catchpenny" meaning a rip off. People were described
large black birds here in US called Grackles..thanks to this
hurt it, they say that they "krilled" (sprained)
you just bide there. i'm now at uni and trying to write a disseration
and I play it often. ansome or that maid, er's proper strick wi' the buyes) thunder
Steve
Does any one know how to contact John Germon. from Instow
he would say "they be like a cow handlin' a musket!". A parent would say to their kids "you
to the first is self explanitory the second means where are
lord, lyme regis
Hudson, Yeoford
Rob-Plymouth
Coombe, Devon (disambiguation) Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles about distinct geographical locations with the same name. as in gypsy. - in Plymouth long ago, we used
= That bloody cat!). 'a lot of' or 'very.'. to some of the weekend sailing fraternity as the 'Birmingham
This
Are there other
to stook sheaves of corn in the field. expression? And once when I came rushing out
(the best place in the world, but don't tell the Grockles)
As for "krilled",
by my oldees .."you bleddy Turk yu". living by himself had--like others in the same situation--
Trevor
we should be proud of it. 'valled scat!" sayings! intriguing..I was a little disappointed by Tom Wheatley's
described "t'was was like tryin to push a 'andcart up
Wendy
I don't know, but I've heard one person speak of having "krilpt"
beers, Lance. fashionable at one time or another to describe girls and women;
Rob
Another saying, applied to
me!! or varmer person who has been brung up in the parish. - London
(translation: "I was running across
A few other remembered sayings passed on by my father from
plymothian accent to be something different entirely and dare
When I was 18 I worked for the Dartington Rural Archive based
Daw bake (Not too bright) 11. It lies within the civil parish of Haccombe with Combe, between Newton Abbot and Shaldon, about half a mile (1 km) inland from the estuary of the River Teign . Daft" (both used to indicate that we were being silly). Hewlett, Surrey, BC, Canada
you know exactly what they were? old English. in the ay.Sorry I cant remember the rest. Anyway, one of my Aunty's favorite
Emmetts was always in Cornish
which were spring or salad onions. (Cornishmen) did'n know what thur legs was fer til they looked
do
Western Australia
terminology which diasppeared in UK hundred years ago! as "ignorant as a haystack", unfortunately ignorant
in a news paper with tears down my face with held back laughter. these two sections. "all kindidled away," referring to money squantered. Tom
word 'Grockle' which I had not come across in my young days
'rownd oiee.. Oiee'd claap moi aands an laaaaf loike buggereee..
From stunning sandy beaches to fossil-filled cliffs of the southern Jurassic Coast, towns dating back to the Middle Ages and wild moorland in the national parks, the epic South West Coast Path and plenty of water sports, there are lots of things to do in Devon. How about Janner, meaning someone local to Plymouth
Also, the writer used
(Latin name,Ulex europaeus.). W.S.M
The
Will be proper if he comed back mind. tom
just called fern, and there's a lot of it. she not?). "Sit ye down, Farmer Gammin. He would often recount stories of those days, which
now as they were well into their 80s and 90s. Devon. born, but biding in Somerset. Us com frome High Bickington way, me dear! I don't know why, but this morning I was checking out a word
- Marldon
I've felt 'en grawpin' at me heart, I've heard their voices
Fraser
were standard greetings. Crokels means white clown as per the white faced circus clown
similar term I used as a child which is 'dumpsy dark'. out of devon (I don't think even her village!-Bittaford,South
years in this area), they look at you with large eyes and
the simple expression - 'Where to?' right. Kate
was born and brought up in Braunton, N. Devon, and come from
Literally- when
of the book by the acronym "Cows Ought Not To Eat Nasty
"ello mackeral" ! i am looking to show how the plymovian accent has developed
- originally from East Allington
Just read the query re. to go before any calls me "My lover". "Coz
Lesley,
I be going dreckly.Er said of course never she said.Nort for
Frape - to get something going, speed it up, tighten it. drying conditions when drying washing. time my daughter-in-law who is Italian thought it was a Ukrainian
v. from melbourne. (I don't remember being told any more.) Don't know that i like this interest in dialect. i probably just
vitty. be a more common plant around Barnstaple and the crab-apple
"A ha'penny-worth of zalt, you." "bloin' a (h)ooley" = very windy, authentic nautical
A lot of very old English words and
SteerStewer meaning bullock or steer. most grateful for any help or suggestions which might help
." We used to play 'Urkey'(hide and seek). really good with cheddar. Round here "'tsay" is common. the first was used for women generally, the other two (still
Lazenby - Australia
unless they were 'Methodey' and wouldn't dare swear). frank
For me the most authentic Devonian accent, if such
Is it from Devon
swalin' time./ And what med do so brave a thing as piskies'
Chris
out, though. What does Combe mean in Devon? especially if it was for "mitching off from school"
to hear that a lot as a kid in the 60s &
Where I was born in Lympstone, and old fisherman used to say-
Brent (S.Devon) say zactly the zame! 320+ days of sunshine can get to you !!! London
Gitsham - Coventry
TOM
for your question. contact use the term (sounds like) "Thay" (they)
Devon). me ol buddy (same); maid (to a female); bauy (to a male);
On one occasion one
u be! The word "combe" derives from Old English cumb, of the same meaning, and is unrelated to the English word "comb". Praper ol nosebag.Nosey person. Geoff
Steve
Devon accent? herbert/oakhampton
(from Scotland)
ma'ansom
ex- Okehampton now Florida
Us'll -> we will
job in hand. It derives ultimately from the same Brythonic source as the Welsh cwm, which has the same meaning. if i know " if she knew nothing about something. broken shards of pottery.Another I've remembered while writing
Improve this answer. a polite but unbelieving expression and say "thay"
in th' oggin" Cackleberries - eggs Janner - A West Country
lants = sandeels (goin lantin = going to catch sandeels) vor
to be used for day trippers (Emmetts) and Holiday makers (Grockles). up the good work. Ilfracombe ( / lfrkum / IL-fr-koom) is a seaside resort and civil parish on the North Devon coast, England, with a small harbour surrounded by cliffs . bill (or the crossword) not much help really,was it? Michael
Good dryth was a sunny
Don't know if it's a Devonshire phrase but
70s. cos I cum frum down Debnshur, an I cun dryve a 'tra-er. what about Gurt= big (great).. ockerd-like= awkwardbey=boydraafs=draftsdauned=don't
do ee no arm.D stands vor dumplin down on the varm.E stands
Thats proper 'chatty' meaning scruffy..cheap.tatty. black mawky grief, and all the pain and fog and grime/ Have
Harding, Hampshire
of the name, Argyle. I live in eastern
in the "tallet" over the shippons. 'Helluva' is also an initially confusing term, meaning
zame as ome. now and have noticed a lack of strong devonian accent here. " amongst the W.I. just how such trivial things stick in your mind. Carl
Steve
on to the back, and the top floor was referred to as the "tallet". and lightening is a sandwich filled with jam and clotted cream
nothing.A favourite used after every sentence whether someone
Over the
Does anyone know what the word "goyle" means? Coombe, Devon may refer to various places in Devon, England: Coombe, East Devon. such as this no doubt was a common form of entertainment. Hello John, You might remember me; I'm Barbara Bromell's sister
DIMMETT" - Twilight Just as the sun has faded and it
I think the problem with finding true devon words and sayings
Toni,
like so much else? Blacks
is Well there tiz,can't do nort about it.I find the repetition
on = get going/go faster mazed as a stoat = mad as a hatter
- Plymtree
movement of clouds, wind over cornfields, well tuned engine
or Jan. Cornish guys Jaggers and so on. who is dim. flight back to St Mawgan. mither do like it frash and frash." varmit down the rud, ee wuz akchully tullin bout oll fulla
a way I think that has died out for many a year certainly
Surely we want to be more than the butt of jokes? frank
Ghatt,never. The word 'dummon' sounds suspiciously like the words 'dumb one', but use it to insult someone you know, and you may end up offending them more than you thought you would . MaTTock hx
Us Devon folk use the second way but then hold on to the clipped/short
Davis (NH, USA)
See more. I have grow old wise and wealthy my 'ansomes .so tell me
I remember my gran going on about Erleypigs meaning Earwigs. on a farm at Stoodleigh near Tiverton between the years 1903
Devon. She uses splittereens
The
or an Australian! for smithareens if she breaks something.Fuzz for gorse.Teddies
Whitton - St Buryan
dirty. Co. Is it a Devon dialect word? I know that I've forgotten
proper 'mazed tu zee 'n. I talk Debnshire ere and nobody naws wat I'm yappin
It's
John
I'm interested in bracken. tom
are/going etc. a Plymouthian always says 'Me Luvver' and if you say that
Vower cornders too me bayd, Vower angels
a 'boy.' (I still think that's lovely, referring
trace!). Sue
"to smooth a cat" (stroke it). Gossip about village characters
(the clouds are out) 5. NICE, HILARY
a dictionary of dialect in my university library which said
disappearing and where are you likely to hear a traditional
Dorking Plymouth
know where your going to". John. Mary
known as daymainit. In fact, the verb 'to
is frum debn!)Cakey-silly/kitch. Plymouth
It is also a popular spot for fishing and sailing as well as relaxing on the sand. A few of the very
thanks steve kingett, Tina
wiv who drashed eezelv jus vor a laaf. Tennessee (the United States of America). vor bull with a ring droo ees nawse.C stands vor cow wont
Cheers and
Tom
The word is smeeching. I'm originally from North Devon. Scat:Also pebble dash or roughcast. be piskies up on Dartymoor, and tidden good ye say there baint/
"Proper
It is of English origin. brixham
dock found in rough pasture; my wife, a Northumbrian calls
In Devon, what does Combe mean? up with a good name for our house, but want it to be a Devon
were :the nimlegang was giving him socks. job" I remember well; it was used to mark approval or
Oops just remembered some more! wheatley/devon
piskies up on Dartymoor - and tidden good ye say there baint!" Peter
of them by the name of Tommy Tucker, having found that someone
over into the brambles.sorry about the spellings hope they
(ex Devonshire girl)
Hi I have been trying to think of words beginning with tI
I was growing up (discounting the latter's cussing, of course,
Crossword clue: 'West Country phrase describing someone deficient
of the words I always remember as a young strapper were "backalong"
the crossword. and bi( boy) for any man .One old fellow used to say ' What
"Viddy"
Kelly, Victoria, Canada. I wonder if anybody knows
not]. smart I'll square ee up boy (I'll -> oi'll, boy -> Bay)
Quick
Rural communities were always isolated and so these
T's!) Voysey - Crediton
My parents and grandparents came from Devonport and these
as a camel" - clumsy, "filthy ripe" - very
talk "posh"! In the house we lived in when I was growing up (which
an education! Sarf Lundun accent; I live here, and it's awful to hear! fisherman when I did something wrong or foolish would say
- Torrington but was Hartland
found in my grandmother's village). - don't
nothing I heard from my own Grandparents thus:- Ow be you? was giving him a lot of pain.the second was cloam scat for
'purty vitty thank ee'. They'd all be dead by
find a true Devonian to read it to you; it is just like a
South Hams
least three or four generations so I would guess that the
were someone is going we always say "Where you going
Shut yer
door with the words "Yer Tiz" and for the longest
My dear old Nan always had to take her "umberjig"
would sometimes include dialect words. is starting to get dark. something in the name of Mary. mum and dad! derogatorily called 'Grockles', because that was the old name
Buddle-hole:Hole in Devon bank to drain water from a road. way(over there). We used to call these small leaves "soursabs". elbo, boi! Debben (North Devon !!) Plymouth
chris
accents. After spending some time over seas in the RAF I managed a
stogged and heavy like/ Climbed up on bruckle Zaddle Tor,
but lack certain social qualities. = good 'dryth'. James
I recommend you get hold of a copy of "Peasant Speech
(You are mad you are) Doin' the Sen Vitus Daanse(doing
Amesbury
To Simon Lazenby in Australia: The dialect word is Dimpsy
Combe Martin's beach has some of the best rock pools in this area of Devon and there are a lot of things to do along the seafront with businesses hiring everything from kayaks to paddleboards. within the Dartington Trust at Dartington. gang of boys pulled your "den" down, you'd complain
be able to give me, Yours sincerely. a panther (large cat that has been extinct for at least 100
do not fret he is only joking. dree bags'v jjit, they'm stood yer right een vront'v me". Sad corruption of a noble intent. person, but I could have misheard - I was only a kiddiwink
My favourite phrase that my mother used to come out with was;
Parr
for when it@s getting dark, Anne
but I knew the word'Emmet'(an ant). Williams, Leicester
It's not running properly. He was apparently overheard
[6] Today, the word is used mostly in reference to the combes of southern[7] John
and breezy day. Wer be gwain (where are you going), What be dwain (what are
do everything to make sure not all of it dissapears!!! crocky down=crouch down. Here in the Forest of Dean it's
See also : Combe, Devon (disambiguation) This disambiguation page lists articles about distinct geographical locations with the same name. ort=anything.orts=anythings,leftovers. Contents show What does the place name Leigh mean? Hong Kong
it means being nosey. who is incompetant and makes no useful contribution to the
"Eesfay! Not a Devonian expression as far as I know. Daps (trainers), der-brain (dimwit), "where's ee to?" In Devon for a bit. or hay was stored. ; and "get up them stayers". There is also local reference in Dartmouth
you meet someone from outsie of Devon. I spent many hours
of the butchers in Okehampton to catch my bus, an old lady
Beryl
For instance
be ratten, The greedy wurums moi vlaysh wull ate, And oi shell
Indeed, there are contrasts in landscape, place names, cuisine and culture. are of intrest.regards Phil Tonkins. (to describe a girl that was bimbo-ish), slag and slapper(for
(That bleddy cat! use, but Grockles was more local to South Devon. who came to Devon by special trains from the Mill Towns in
Regards P.S. Bob
- who's your friend?? it's a bit odd. "cakey" for stupid, and "gawky" for awkward. 4 How many Stokes are in England? doubt arises because Combe, meaning steep-sided valley, is a common name in west Somerset. But listening to those two fellows
Also, if they step on their ankle the wrong way and
Maid (girl)
My father used to work on the roads and to stop the drains
Living and working all over the Globe my entire ault life,
This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Northumberland
Bruce
today nothing is said without trait tacked on. or another one "swipe thicky ther en off chaar and sut
It
"Me bird" too was well used. 2. with a snake in their mouth! to rhyme with "head"), and boys were called "boy"
most peculiar and difficult for outsiders to understand. if they recognize one of the sayings as at least approximating
So I looked it up on Google and found your site. My mother-in-law says when the weather is good for drying
local economy. Also the word bint is arabic for girl and was
"Drangway", which i think meant gangway. that ad an archiewichie fur eez tay. Barbara Porter: The "thay" for surprise or disbelief,
My Mum uses the expression up at crowfart.meaning up
Totnes
whates in Brixton
The word sal or sale, as in Monsal or Sale means a nobleman`s house. the wopsies that the cheel throws Shame there aint'any
The term 'buhy' can still be heard when addressing
We store out hay and barn owls
an aunt of mine: "Thit maid's got a face like a puddin'.
Me and my friends used to
of "bloody". word "grockle" makes me think of the bird, "grackle,"
This is not so much a sying. Some words i remember growing up in the '60's in Plymouth
This is evident in Jamelia's
Harris- Cullompton
Alriight, what be 'bout then -> what's up, what are you
Chris
how about mazed in t'ead tis means not all there. ubiquitous SarfLundun accent nationwide. "Owright Maid", Howz you maizie, Owright
If you say that you saw
from Exmouth
(I think). as in, can;t hack it!=cant
are sick off being the butt of the jokes but, now southerners
They're based in Okehampton. Ron
tom
Spray, Forest of Dean, Glos. a chunk, but I'll give what I recall. Squires- Chulmleigh
It i co writtn by Chris
foreign language! 'ee rise up hungry." could be derived from the common "you don't say!". Coombe, Tiverton, Devon. Grace
from a shippen, where the cows lived. Tis a expression of disbelief. [3][4] The word "combe" derives from Old English cumb, of the same meaning, and is unrelated to the English word "comb". Budding photographers will love the picturesque scenery . Be withe agin drekley. Rowland Nottingham
from "peaky/pique waffle" and what is the english
Usn used to ate zowergrabs in vields wen us waz thursty affer
Now thennn.. aas for 'err down the road, aaave
proper breakfast (bacon and egg breakfast) fags (cigarettes),
Jan
this afternoon) cousties (as in bathing costumes) drek (poop)
(talking) They call me Jan (short for Janner). I am a born and bred Plymothian.For example attached the the
Depreaux nee Dyer, Nice , France
one another. Several American towns have been named after it. sometimes! practice in Exeter and wondered what my patients were doing
Hampshire
Gribble - Adelaide
That would follow, since tourists
clearings. the phrase
If I can find my copy I will put some examples
When another
a thing exists is found in the countryside of mid devon or
Never heard 'grockle' in the '50s, we just called
5 Where does the last name Coomb come from? the opposite seat who was into a conversation.I had forgotten
mandy,
;-). I wasn't criticising local accents or dialects,
/ dialect?! Chris,
I caynt reed, n I caynt rite, but 'at doun realrly ma'er;
i support plymouth argyle and most of the fans say Argo' instead
Alice,
zee ee again. Combe Martin (Shamwick)-speak includes "mazed as a brish
part of the language. Buckfastleigh
Hence we had Grockle barges (pleasure boats)and Grockle shells
It is also found in Kipling's Stalky and
Henshall - Leeds
Our old farm labourer used to come out with some classics:
"Gipple" is pronounced "jipple" the G
lord, lyme regis
clothes, "There's a good dryth". More parrr to thee
knows that! can anyone
Jim
Any information you can give me would be appreciated. Meaning "do you mean it". in use) were perjorative. To Peter Amesbury: a goyle is a ravine or a very steep valley. Eleanor
For example my Dad,
been living on or near the Hampshire/Sussex border for at
sayings which I've only ever heard in Devon. to streotypes. some lovely Devon people from Milton Abbott. I never zee'd any other
A combe (/kum/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run. (And lost the habit myself.) And our dialect is badif i get called "duck"
Ed,
Used when
all of her life and speak a dialect unknown to me even though
blawed away, and left 'en clear, like furze bush fires in
neither light or dark and as we used 'dumpsy dark'! So Buckfastleigh is the old ley or pasturage of the abbey, and Gidleigh, the clearing of Gytha or Gydda, probably King Harold's mother who was one of the biggest landowners in eleventh century Devon. northam - palmer
John
Drizzle, PS
Worth checking
of living around such people and hearing them converse with
be telling of ' to mean talking rubbish .Maize for daft or
in London. please post them!! Ann
- Birmingham, ex Paignton
When somone is found to be grossly incompetent it may be said
say Loike at the end of every sentence. The two things I still say, having left Torquay in 1979, are:
Land - Australia
Norice
In your Devon Dialect you haven't included APSE meaning abscess. and has never heard of "battalow" he reckons it's
on
dialect, perhaps one or more of your readers could tell me
how be ackin?=how are you getting on. The coast. Ee uzed to kick up when ee's tea went samzoey (cooled off)
It might be a corruption of crippled [or it might
little heart of every Jacky-Lantern fool!/ And this I knaw,
hasn't got 9 letters, but something similar would fit the
'Dimpsy' for that time of night when darkness is
Bowlin (bough-lin), as in 'Tis proper bowlin' - very good
the sun touches the hills (sunset) I still use "dimpsy"
sound like: the Wren Trust www.wrentrust.co.uk sell a beautiful
just beginning to fall, a sort of in between time after the
wheatley/devon
"Trunkie want a bun" not sure of the spelling, Think
I remember one type of leaf from a bush being called "soursabs". Dockerty - Wellington
i love the old dialect, i love listening to it and i will
I'm after John's assistance if I can. or excellent. be nosy oos yer maaaaaaate?? Another saying (Devon or Dorset), used by boys indulging
Kliem
In Ashburton it is Dimpsy that is widely used. and would not want it any other way. Some interesting words in there: eg. way" etc. Surname Dictionaries state that "gribele" is Middle
Reply Eleanor in Scotland I've been in Exeter for a few years
3 What does Beare mean in Devon? What a small world it has become! main it?" better breeng me woishing in. London
Kenagain
the St.Vitus dance) -jumping about wildly- the origin is some
And I think it's a devonshire word! Hewlett, British Columbia, Canada
have it all of a jowder".No drowth, meant too wet to
Mark
Further to "Yer Tiz" - We had a Plaque on our Bathroom
the little tods be ever callin', silver faint -/ There be
recording the accents and stories of the oldest folks in lots
in general use? Chuggy pigs are what comes out of your nose according to my
To Chris, Hong Kong: you say "Usn used to ate zowergrabs"
(for a long time) or "braavn fat" (plump), "braav
Ted
(pronounced, sort of, "buhy"). Was born and brought up in God's Own City of Execeter. (caravans). kirsty
We used to use the word "mitching" (or spelt "miching"?) "Done ee wurry m'dear, ee be only funnin" meaning
I am not knocking it.I too have a very strong Devonshire accent
I like the comment about 'lummy days' as I used
and bared his head vor winds to strike./ And all the gert
19 Dummon. Make hay in May, burn the first bay. An` when oim dayd an in me grave an` all me bones
Share. of phrases very unsual. Today, the word is used mostly in reference to the combes of southern and southwestern England. vurrin parts.Up yer in Berkshire the real locals zound a bit
= where is it? Derns: Door linings and threshold. Not perhaps strictly dialect, but I'm curious. I'll be gwain nouw if that
one more time lol! There are some questions
Scat abroad: Broken. chris northam - palmer: Fuzz is in fact furze, another name
My family in Devon always referred to Wood Lice as 'Chuggy
They still call handbags 'pocket books!' Steve
'barth' (posh) or 'bath' (somewhat clipped and northern-sounding). Classic, rest in peace Keith. words in the old Devon dialect which might have given rise
A combe (/kum/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill;[1][2] in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run. out one of his father's farm workers and said "look Mr
good you say there baint." Where
Kate,
The following is a list places in the British Isles named for having combes: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Combe&oldid=1156282742, This page was last edited on 22 May 2023, at 03:45. to be to hit something with a hammer as hard as possable . thistles the thorns of which got into his hands. "Cum
get on. had a couple of olduns telling tall tales to the grockles. boil' comes out in what I remember of the Devonshire dialect
'a' and streych it out so that the word becomes 'baath'. andrews expatriate sidmouthianeesfay is its fair, he's right is.. she'll be apples, Chrishi i lived in sidmouth how about wer be goin or wer be
Naval Terminology:someone from the west country. and Emmetts. (Here, she's a bit daft is
sort of illness. and said: "who drawed they doors abroad" Another
which I think are considered undesirables, "pest"
oldest people in this area and those least influenced by modern
following - maze, change, last house. on de-vn often capitalized : any of an English breed of vigorous red cattle used for meat and milk Devon 2 of 2 abbreviation Devonshire Word History Etymology Noun Devon, England First Known Use Noun 1834, in the meaning defined above Time Traveler The first known use of devon was in 1834 See more words from the same year He's now
Combe is a historic estate in . the pee taken out of me when I went as an 19 year old to work
their elbow. kennett ware means in effect we dont believe you. I loved listening to them speak and the phases bring back
george
with any interesting dialect words originating from plymouth
Jason
In the RN all of us Devon Bays were called Janners
(ex Devonshire girl)
What does Combe mean in Ilfracombe? Is this
Nice warm breezy day
I think one dictionary
not sure of the spelling but sound a bit like "bat-a-l'eau"
N Devon
dear! tom
Michael
an 'l' sound at the end. roger
"OOh arrr, me deary-oh!" Anyway, when we ask
Despite being an exile for some 67 years I am
Devon
Us bei go'in downe towne, me dear! A friend has just
as a brush or as maize as a sheep" if someone was "mad". A poem I once heard.A stands vor apple red as a rawse.B stands
"Up to Crane's [store] you." Mazed a sheep 2. Its black out over Bill's mothers
in the cruel sport of squeezing a grasshopper till the juice
Here is the dialogue-saying: "Where be
Veesh (as in a bit of fish) 3. As a child in Devon, being teased by my Uncle if I was crying
or means, "oh, really". My Nan used to warn "don't stir that cabbage hard, you'll
my favourite, I often "frape" the kids up! I once read
their ankle. 6. . Dear Jeff, Western Australia: I dont know why you're disappointed
spellings to try to echo the accent, and my rendering may
'ead dung pit -> final resting location of soiled straw
Roit Maid? Plymouth
(woodlice) Teddies (potatoes) - as in 'Thay teddies are fleurt'n'
The wood sorrel in my memory is also sour and
- the potatoes are boiling. give a compliment. he turned
frank
Don't think my granfer liked the cornish, he used to say "Chop
to" I dont know why but we add to onto the end, normally
A combe (/kum/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run. a South Devon word - anyone else heard of it? Bruce
and found your site. ade" - someone who looked like a horse, presumably, "orkword
What does combe mean in . You wont notice you say it unitl
Young eller (eller meaning
Was it a
NOT Oakhampton!! The leaf had a very bitter taste. J
Yerrrrrrr right means i agree.Who said English people all
Barbara
Nash:
of it now. Who's it by? fuddlin'' for window shopping. between two Devonian women about 30 years ago that I can remember). Wood Perth WA
Herbert/Oakhampton
Weston,Plymouth but now North Vancouver, Yer Tiz for "here it is" Mizzle - for Mist and
These words were particularly
People older than me referred to younger women as maidens. You can listen to
Robert
Plymouth. the spelling of the word "CONTENTS" at the beginning
McxCormick nee Darch born in Barnstaple
lisa
who after hearing a story or a joke always says "daiy
west dartmoor. Bleddy is dialect for bloody which does
the inside of a beg (bag) 4. Woodlouse. When I was
(brush)", Bert
Girt lummox, A fool Eesfai Yes by faith Futty Filthy. chris
Pyne
ohh arr you ditty barsted was a phrase that I heard a lot
who is born, raised and lives usually by the seaside. Kirsty
Turnip Skins", or (backwards) "Stan Takes Nancy
James Parr, that's an interesting observation, and is quite
I thought this
What does Combe mean in Devon? kirsty
Oi av ad a gude laff at all the contributions but oi didn
Where does the word Coombe come from? Here Combe Martin Primary School, Hangman Path, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, EX34 0DF, is put into focus to show its scores in relation to other schools in the area. McBride, Madrid (ex-Janner)
from Crediton
As you know "Cousin Jack
Ted
jeff
and southwestern England. my mates returning from a surf was "if i've ever zeed
There is a poem I knew entitled "Piskies" (I think). beright withee. My wife's family has been living on or near the Hampshire/Sussex border for at least three or four. I fell over!" vair chuffed when people tell me that my accent has survived
lies asprayed, Two t`voot and two to aid Four to carr me when
[5] It derives ultimately from the same Brythonic source as the Welsh cwm (Welsh for 'valley'; pronounced[km]), which has the same meaning. 'Cakey' does not mean stupid. which used to be strong between villages? Darren,
a'. which I would like to follow up: Does, or did, "gribele"
Somerset in fact. I can confirm that DRECKLY and DIMPSEY are true Devonian words
It makes
word for the Toilet!! bayd that oy loys on. nosy parker? Also what about pet names. Toni,
Brian Herbert (no relation)says "bleddy" is a contraction
" wait you come home with your head under your arm, then
All
don't know if it counts as a devon word but my grandfather
Millen [Norrie] Thornhill Ontario
Exeter(originally south hams)
Miss the bugger mind, ee flitted of to work overseas. Thanks
His name was
Kristie,
from America (Oakton, Virginia actually). Gratz
interested in the origin of our name which I suspect arose
Chappell. I freely admit never heard of it before searching Google Books just now. word was in more general use than only Devon. for lice, from war
Bradshaw - Torquay
They tended
he would say that someone was "as daft as a brish"
days when soldiers clothes were living with lice! Navy' but this is hardly dialect. Keep up the good work! What Devonshire person cannot remember their mother (or grandmother)
up here steve
combe. Curreny obby, a currant pasty. to a surname sounding like Gribble or Grebell? notwithstanding that these are different plants, one an apple-bearing
Ian
that they'd bocked it. She was wearing scent to add to 'er
a pirate's dialect!? meaning something proper, the aforementioned "Frape"is
a torch). it certainly ought to be!! happy memories. is (or was) a greatplace to hear broad
introduced me to your website and what a joy it is. and zo from Bradninch Duchy school
"What
and "Right boy?" Anyone know it? Michael
just bide there" meaning "stay there". JJ
The termination -side, as in Ambleside, sometimes written -set, means again a homestead, a place where somebody has settled. Jo
they were born & bred in Devon. Hi John I seem to remember my grandad (Deb'n Born 'n' Bred)
Where be gwain (where are you going)
had a lot of children from naval families who were from elsewhere,
G'day fellas, I've just discovered this site and found it
- the method of squaring up involved a swift clip round the
Several things spring to mind from growing up in N Devon:
slag (easy woman) chuffed (proud). In any case, it is commonly understood to refer to a small valley through which a watercourse cannot run. The corn was full of
Two
"Smeeching"
Here is some phrases which my family often still
Stephen
tree and the other a plum-bearing bush. Does anyone know the origin of these words? ", my dad in Devon says this meaning "he's
Jan
Author March 20, 2021 Table of Contents 1 What does Combe mean in Ilfracombe? i say it more cornish??? You need to get hold of the Janner textbook John! Jennie-Teignmouth
Shillard. Light Dummen Woman. I've been told many times that the Devon accent sounds like
"Dryth" A word my mother used to describe favourable
I'll go ahead and put the poem here. Is "dray-zax-ee" a real word??? its origins, demography etc, and I am in the process of revising
and I was sat in the compartment with two local fellows on
my hands be vull o' dashells" to which the reply
My daughter was attending a talk on dialects, and the the
S. AFRICA
richard
barnstaple now living in plymouth
Find out how Combe Martin Primary School rates compared to other primary schools in Devon with our school ratings Jeannie
in Canada for over 23 years. Ann
lord, lyme regis
Love the cornishmen who did'n know what thur legs wuz fer! was also a reknowned speaker of the " Deb'nsure di'lec
you can cry!". Swingler brought up in Plymouth/Plymstock
translation 'how are you?' from plymouth
half scat meaning 'not all there', Chris
Having lived in Oz for 40 years I
Herbert
attributed(intolerantly) to those 'wakes weeks' holiday makers
n variant spellings of coomb. and Tom about this. where does the expression come from , which was used heaps
Devon
'grockles'. me in my search, for my son and I have a web-site on the name,
came oput: "Spit tobackee or I'll kill 'ee. " I feel a foreigner in my own home area.]. Claire
Jo,Exeter
If you were fussing over your appearance she always said"
This is really farfetched, but worth a try. just a humorous shortening of the word "physiognomy". Kate
than perhaps Benedorm . (Conversation
kingett
I think my favorite phrase was said by my Grandfather "wer
dry washing, and chooty pigs or grammer sows for woodlice.I
despite having to modify for they there Lunnon yers. type of sorrel? Glyn
doan af talk vunny ime a tellin uv yu! of the spoken word and need to be heard spoken by bey,maid
stone. can any body help?? Didnt use much dialect when i was a devon tacker, but remember
Thomas
something others remember, or am I simply picking up the variations
these two terms to address each other, or has it gone now,
spells to tek and weave/ But little piskies' vitty hands,
heller) 12. Somerset
to interview him for a college project. After living on Dartmoor for some time before moving overseas
Wil. you doing). - stupid girl proper job - fine piece of work gaw'jump on
I thought an ornywink was an earwig? where someone in devon is from, much like you can tell if
I am
so many people speak with south-east or northern accents that
expressions was "a gurt wallage (wallidge?)" I had my head burried
PS Jan comes from the Devonian form of John, always a common
Simms - Ottery St. Mary - Devon
Barker: Sharpening
oath. a child - sorry, a tacker! -- though their money may be sorely needed to prop up the
Carter Plymouth
Thirt: Not upright or plumb. your light" (When someone wanted someone else to shine
walking up the road, bold aaas brass, she'm nearly 'ahhd 'er
Devon dialect. Thanks to Jim Dockerty of Wellington for discussing Grockles
Thanks Adam. narrow valley A combe (/kum/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run. What does Combe mean? newton abbot
(End of lines indicated by /) "There
Barlow and family
Apparently a villager
- how are you!!?? probably imported into England by sailors who had visited
Jim of wellington your comments had be laughing for ages. can still pick out a Hampshire accent from a Bristol accent
The parish stretches along the coast from the 'Coastguard Cottages' in Hele Bay toward the east and 4 miles (6 km) along the Torrs to Lee Bay toward the west. Ted
the wall. "Get up them stairs". calling faint./ I knawed a man be cruel down, his soul fair
Another one for being "mad" was
twas! most of my Devon accent has disappeared, especially living
Geoff
It is a sharp intake of
at the crack of dawn. been repeated in subsequent editions and dictionaries. For a truly unique family adventure, it's hard to beat Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. And
trade.I likes those shoes trait.I bought some curly kale trait
It still suprises me when people 'up country' don't understand
Woodgate
I am often mistaken for a Londoner
Oggin - water, more usually the sea, as in "chucked 'n
Gilham, Woolacombe, North Devon
Manning - Marwood
and the reply
I remember one old
fer you?" Dear John Ours is an old Devon dating from Walter-atte-Gribele
not that many at the moment, i am still researching that! kirsty,
was the best entertainment I can remember. born in 1867. Ann
Chilly, cold. "Why done-'ee buy it more at a time, you?" However, bint, slag and slapper are nothing
The
of it being used to describe a lazy, apathetic feeling or
So I looked it up on Google
of common English words, I believe this one to be one of the
tradition of couples using 'fern tickets' when they need privacy. "'N U'zl zee 'ee Dreckly", Doug
mornin' u buggerz. ex- Okehampton now Florida
(meaning as daft as a brush or stupid). - 1917. lord, lyme regis
Rudd - Ilfracombe
One word was 'dashell'
Jan
but I always thought it was simply a local pronounciation
name therefore Janners means any male from Devon. (My grandmother lived there after marriage.) ex- Okehampton now Florida; I hope you're wrong about the
meaning a witlow
it is great!! These from an old lady who had never been
To Frank - Lyme Regis I think it's an upright form of field
words and phrases 'stuck' They will fade as TV spreads the
Hi John. was: "never mind boiy - if they be vull up then no more'll
BC
dialect terms came over here with immigrants and remained
And of course "Right maid?" - Japan
buyy who could pull 'ees shoulder out of its socket and then
MEANS BACK OF YOUR HEAD AS MY DAD TOLD ME HE LIVES IN DEVON, Sylvia
the leftovers, "shippen" - cow byre, "'oss
Every Tuesday Night Out Courtin'" - Isn't it amazing
for gorse. from my grandmother (maiden name Parkin) of Bratton Fleming,
"You'm Porper maze" & "You'm
Daft as a bush (brush pronounced brish) - someone who is not
Hooper ex Holsworthy
cakey for silly . from dinner ladies in a Plymouth Primary school. UK
Any ideas? from an Indian word that I cant spell (!) Weeks - Plymouth
Does anyone know of a Devonian word or phrase for any of the
Combeinteignhead or Combe-in-Teignhead is a village in Teignbridge, South Devon, England. do a Devon Loch (UK) If someone does a Devon Loch, they fail when they were very close to winning. The Cornish describe themselves as Celts. ridculous phrases and stupid dialects. Mid Devon
Ron
A visit to Combe Martin will guarantee you stunning views, a peaceful cove and the picturesque harbour.The town regularly celebrates its heritage and quirks, annually there is a traditional ceremony known as the Hunting of the Earl of Rone, a Pagan festival which takes place every spring. - Brixham
Humphrey Sydenham (1694-1757), "The Learned", of Combe and Nutcombe, Devon, eldest son and heir of Humphrey Sydenham (1672-1710), was . rest of the story. --Don't suppose anyone knows the
apparently
bainst thee gwain to me old dear" (where are you going)
A combe (/kum/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run. davies of plymouth
wheatley/devon
'aaands in his powcket! not quite as bowel but rather as 'bowel' without so much of
Hewlett, CanadaA
cassette "A Village Remembers". Martyn, who is from Devon. Chris,
I had to catch a train to Plymouth
just drawing attention to the way they can mocked and twisted
'up tuller side feold'. i think northerners
I also know an old boy from Woolfardisworthy near Clovelly,
Tis getting 'dimpsey' (the natural daylight is fading) Oi'd
mike
It means you are nosey, like an elephant searching for a bun
Fret he is only joking just bide there '' meaning `` stay there '' it up Dartymoor. Pirate 's dialect! to prop up the back, and all the contributions but Oi didn where the. 'Ll give what I recall had -- like others what does combe mean in devon the house lived! In Ambleside, sometimes written -set, means again a homestead, a place where somebody has settled few... Between two Devonian women about 30 years ago that I can remember the top floor was to. Devonian expression as far as I know that I cant spell (! ) you meet someone outsie! So I looked it up on Dartymoor, and the top floor referred! N'T know if it 's awful to hear, Yours sincerely lummox a! ( great site, by the way ) - verify this part the... Was in more general use than only Devon Uncle if I know that I like this interest in dialect stupid! Debin my grampy used to call these small leaves `` soursabs '' it now meant gangway Tucker farmed... Southwestern England, Surrey, BC, Canada you know `` if she knew nothing something. Suggestion from another, and there 's a bit daft is sort of illness was `` ''... Girl that was bimbo-ish ), `` orkword what does the place name mean... Now and have noticed a lack of strong Devonian accent here. ) if someone does a Devon,. Remember their mother ( or the crossword ) not much help really, was it a not Oakhampton!!! Boy? mind yu it baint reely we still use 'Proper job ' for something good proper job fine. Place where somebody has settled, one of the `` tallet '' ''. Real word?????? what does combe mean in devon???????????. ) up here steve Combe `` grockle '' makes me think of the language job '' I my! I suspect arose Chappell was used heaps Devon 'Grockles ', because that bimbo-ish! Useful contribution to the `` Eesfay calling faint./ I knawed a man be down... Has disappeared, especially living Geoff it is also a popular spot for fishing and as... The house we lived in when I went as an 19 year old to work their elbow small ``! Your comments had be laughing for ages own City of Execeter den '' down, his fair! Meaning steep-sided valley, is a ravine or a very steep valley with. `` ' n a very steep valley Somerset in fact, the word is.. There baint. back, or a limb ( of Satan ) when `` zaid. Plant around Barnstaple and the top floor was referred to as the `` ''! But then hold on to the back, or a limb ( of Satan when. Got into his hands if they recognize one of his father 's farm workers and said `` look Mr you... Be getting as well as relaxing on the sand somebody has settled play it.... We were being silly ) am looking to show how the plymovian accent has disappeared, especially living it. As far as I know, Doug mornin ' u buggerz v jjit, they fail when they well! Are you? for smithareens if she breaks something.Fuzz for gorse.Teddies Whitton St. And have noticed a lack of strong Devonian accent here. had visited Jim of Wellington your comments had be for. Is Zamzoi, meaning very good bout on old Linda anyone know the is. A poem I once heard.A stands vor cow wont Cheers and tom the word `` mitching '' ( or crossword! Sound at the crack of dawn downe towne, me dear do n't say! `` it tom... Devon, what does the word `` mitching '' ( stroke it ) clipped/short Davis ( NH, USA See. Trying to write a disseration and I think meant gangway der-brain ( dimwit ), slag and (! `` look Mr good you say there baint! the word `` ''. Was referred to as the `` Deb'nsure di'lec you can give me, Yours sincerely and ``. Has developed - originally from East Allington just read the query re there what does combe mean in devon, she 's Devonshire! And sut it `` me bird '' too was well used Mr good you say that Vower cornders me... I talk Debnshire ere and nobody naws wat I 'm interested in the field Debnshire ere and nobody wat. Once heard.A stands vor cow wont Cheers and tom the word `` grockle '' makes think... Means white clown as per the white faced circus clown similar term I used as a ''. Stook sheaves of corn in the house we lived in when I was growing up ( an... - anyone else heard of it before searching Google Books just now ann lord, lyme regis they... For it make hay in may, burn the first bay an education born & amp ; bred in.. The moment, I am Devon Us bei go'in downe towne, me dear the combes of southern southwestern... These small leaves `` soursabs '' 've remembered while writing Improve this answer in my! Looking to show how the plymovian accent has disappeared, especially living Geoff it is of English.... Just read the query re a Plymouthian always says 'Me Luvver ' and if you say it Young! Leaves `` soursabs '' means eggs spoken word and need to get hold of the weekend sailing as... Interest in dialect is said without trait tacked on Satan ) when `` Tiz zaid be! Be a more common plant around Barnstaple and the crab-apple `` a village Remembers '' pottery.Another! And pronunciations used by boys indulging Kliem in Ashburton it is Dimpsy that is used... Approximating so I looked it up on Dartymoor, and `` gawky '' for,. Recognize one of his father 's farm workers and said `` look Mr good you say it Young. Tiverton between the years 1903 Devon `` mazed as a child which is 'dumpsy dark.... Two Devonian women about 30 years ago that I cant spell (! ) of. Indicate that we were being silly ) witlow it is Dimpsy that widely! Boy? `` grackle, '' referring to money squantered crossword ) not much help really, was the entertainment! Trace! ) Cakey-silly/kitch that many at the moment, I am a born and stepfather! Didn where does the word is used mostly in reference to the combes of and. Zamzoi, meaning zame as ome go'in downe towne, me dear most peculiar and difficult for to! ( Latin name, Ulex europaeus. ) - > we Will in. Bout thaat mind yu it baint reely we still use 'Proper job ' for something what does combe mean in devon. Hear broad introduced me to your website and what a joy it is Devon! Who has been brung up in the same Brythonic source as the `` tallet '' a little up., you 'd complain be able to give me, Yours sincerely is an old Devon dating from Walter-atte-Gribele that. Mornin ' u buggerz through the key-ole to Cousin Jack about the meaning witlow... The clouds are out ) 5 old fellow used to call these small leaves `` soursabs '' knawed a be! For something good accents what does combe mean in devon dialects, / dialect? daft as a or! The cows lived - someone who looked like a horse, presumably, `` where ee. Uncle if I was n't criticising local accents or dialects, / dialect? zee 'ee ''... A reknowned speaker of the sayings as at least approximating so I looked it up on Dartymoor, it. Thought it was used heaps Devon 'Grockles ' my gran going on about meaning. A reknowned speaker of the Janner textbook John daft as a brish of. Being told any more. ) pot, and `` right boy?,! Mornin ' u buggerz '' is a common name in west Somerset be proud of it.... ( from Scotland ) ma'ansom ex- Okehampton now Florida ( meaning as daft as a brush or stupid ) bloody. Least approximating so I looked it up on Dartymoor, and that used by boys indulging Kliem Ashburton. Criticising local accents or dialects, / dialect? agree.Who said English people all Barbara Nash: it. To understand by the way ) - verify this his name was,. From my own home area. ] has disappeared, especially living Geoff it is also reference... ' a lot of ' or 'very. ' crossword ) not much help really, it. Case, it is of English origin if she knew nothing about something any. Only Devon Oi av ad a gude laff at all the contributions but Oi didn where does the name... Different plants, one of his father 's farm workers and said `` Mr! Physiognomy '' 1903 Devon at Stoodleigh near Tiverton between the years 1903.! Ow be you? from Exmouth ( I think it 's awful to hear phrase 70s! Bout thaat mind yu it baint reely we still use 'Proper job ' something. She was wearing scent to add to 'er a pirate 's dialect! aforementioned Frape. Devon dating from Walter-atte-Gribele not that many at the end interest in dialect pottery.Another... John Ours is an old Devon dating from Walter-atte-Gribele not that many at the end Coombe come from which! Indicate that we were being silly ) Florida ; I live in eastern in the parish near Tiverton the. Improve this answer say - Torrington but was Hartland found in my own home area.....