That's one of the best that I have heard along that line, Margaret. When folks think of "sayings" like that, think what you call your brothers and sisters, things that are "private jokes" that nobody would ever understand from outside the family. Not that they are bad, but they are intimate expressions in the best sense of the word. My brother in California always calls our brother here "Beans" or "Beansie." I can't even remember why but it might have had something to do with what Brian (who I call "Bri") did with or to beans as a tyke. The same goes for things like Shanty Irish. The other day I was talking to a guy whose last name, McGrath, is the same as that of a friend of mine in a town near here. We had never talked before, but his response to my question "Are you related to the Bayport McGraths?" was what I would have said: "If they have money, no." Most of us Irish are very proud of being "Shanty Irish." And we're prouder of how far we have come given those obstacles. Ray -----Original Message----- From: irl-kerry-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:irl-kerry-bounces@rootsweb.com]On Behalf Of mrcarmean@sbcglobal.net Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 7:08 PM To: IRL-KERRY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [IRL-KERRY] expressions I remember being in about 3rd grade or so and one of the Sisters of Mercy stating that we were either Shanty Irish or Lace Curtain Irish. Not familiar with the terms I immediately went to see my grandfather to let me know which we were. Grama was the daughter of 2 Kerry parents and knew her place in life. Grampa informed me that Grama said we were Lace Curtain Irish though on his side the lace was made of cobwebs. I was most proud to be able to return to school the next day and report back on my research. I couldn't understand why the good Sister not known for her sense of humor started laughing. I was then wondering if Grampa had set me up. So that night at supper I shared my story at the supper table. My father laughed even harder then my teacher while my poor mother (who was half German and half shanty Irish) was just horrified. I now proudly use my grandfathers description of my roots. lol Margaret ------------------------------- 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: 269.7.0/804 - Release Date: 5/14/2007 4:46 PM

Ray, You brought back many memories with the names we called our siblings. I was only 5 when I started school and of course,repeated everything, my wag of a Welsh father told me. I was feeling very pleased with myself when the "big girls" came over and ask me my brothers name. Poor Billy went red with shame when I blurted out "Willum the Conkra" which was supposed to be William the Conqueror. When I told Dad about it, he was rolling with laughter. Yes he was the one who told me that was Billys real name. Also my late eldest brother was named Thomas but what was I told...he was Thomas-a-titamus. And poor late Maurice was always called Moggie!! My poor Irish mum would only shake her head at Dads jokes. I remember Mum calling her brother Maurice, "Mossie." Mention that word around here and we look for the spray!! Nice to hear from you-all again. Mary in Nth Queensland where we are still waiting for winter to start and still wearing shorts and tee shirts when we should be in our tracksuits.! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ray Marshall" <raymarsh@mninter.net> To: <mrcarmean@sbcglobal.net>; <IRL-KERRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:01 PM Subject: Re: [IRL-KERRY] expressions > That's one of the best that I have heard along that line, Margaret. > > When folks think of "sayings" like that, think what you call your brothers > and sisters, things that are "private jokes" that nobody would ever > understand from outside the family. Not that they are bad, but they are > intimate expressions in the best sense of the word. > > My brother in California always calls our brother here "Beans" or > "Beansie." > I can't even remember why but it might have had something to do with what > Brian (who I call "Bri") did with or to beans as a tyke. > >