A Conversation for Antiquated Words and Phrases
Any idea?
Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) Started conversation May 10, 2001
on the origins of the word blackguard.
I know it comes from Black Guard but why that should be come an insult is unclear.
Z
Any idea?
Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) Posted May 10, 2001
Don't think so, although it is pronounced blaggard. Once dictionary I have gives the word as originating from Black Guard. But I'm not sure who/what the black guard were.
Z
Any idea?
Transmission Posted May 10, 2001
From Websters:
"The scullions and lower menials of a court, or of a nobleman's household, who, in a removal from one residence to another, had charge of the kitchen utensils, and being smutted by them, were jocularly called the ``black guard''; also, the servants and hangers-on of an army."
HTH,
Transmission.
Any idea?
Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) Posted May 11, 2001
Thanks. I've wondered about that for a while. (Although not to the extent of actually going and looking it up)
Z
Any idea?
LooseCannon Posted May 16, 2001
That another misconception up in smoke then!
Thanks for putting me right. 
Any idea?
LooseCannon Posted May 16, 2001
That another misconception up in smoke then!
Thanks for putting me right.
Key: Complain about this post
Any idea?
- 1: Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) (May 10, 2001)
- 2: LooseCannon (May 10, 2001)
- 3: Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) (May 10, 2001)
- 4: Transmission (May 10, 2001)
- 5: Zathras (Unofficial Custodian of H2G2 Room 101. ACE and holder of the BBC Pens) (May 11, 2001)
- 6: LooseCannon (May 16, 2001)
- 7: LooseCannon (May 16, 2001)
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