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bumbershoot
Feb. 25th, 2010 08:03 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
prettygoodword.livejournal.combumbershoot (BUHM-br-shoot) - n., umbrella.
By way altering the umbr- then tacking on the -chute of parachute -- the sort of humorous slang I associate with the 1920s, but apparently dates to the 1890s instead. Contra American expectations (possibly resulting from its use in the film of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) it is rarely used in Britain -- and indeed primarily American usage. Other early variations include bumbersol and bumberell, but they quickly died out.
And given the heavy clouds outside, I'm beginning to regret not bringing me old bumbershoot to work.
---L.
By way altering the umbr- then tacking on the -chute of parachute -- the sort of humorous slang I associate with the 1920s, but apparently dates to the 1890s instead. Contra American expectations (possibly resulting from its use in the film of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) it is rarely used in Britain -- and indeed primarily American usage. Other early variations include bumbersol and bumberell, but they quickly died out.
And given the heavy clouds outside, I'm beginning to regret not bringing me old bumbershoot to work.
---L.
