Hi All re 'Black Irish' my Mum used to say that these people had some Spanish blood in them. She, her sister and one brother plus both parents had the grey eyes reddish hair that so many Irish have, but her other brother was very olive-skinned with black hair, eyes and a very ginger moustache. At school, we were taught that, after the Armada was scattered, some of them sailed further north around the top end of Scotland and down the west coast of Ireland trying to get back to Spain. Some were shipwrecked and washed ashore in Ireland. I have always thought this was a logical explanation but, if anyone likes to differ, please feel free. Regards Irene R -------Original Message------- From: MonicaBOS@aol.com Date: 05/14/07 04:37:31 AM To: irl-kerry@rootsweb.com Subject: [IRL-KERRY] Expressions Carlene, I can only tell you what my grandmother used to say. Lace curtain Irish were "those people puttin' on airs, don't you know." But my mother said they were people who were trying to put on the best "face" that they could, such as hanging lace curtains in a poor home. As for Black Irish, I've heard different things but mostly just Irish with "that Spanish Armada look to them." Monica ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to IRL-KERRY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.8/800 - Release Date: 5/11/07 7:34 PM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.0/803 - Release Date: 5/13/07 12:17 PM

Well, I was wondering when Shanty Irish would pop up and it finally did a few emails back, but you've all overlooked a few other terms including Bog Irish and, my favorite, " Two-toilet Irish." And don't forget "FBI" or Foreign Born Irish, a sometimes term around Boston for Irish, not "native" but born in Ireland.