Topic: aboot canadian pronunciation

[6pkrunner]

Did the word "golf" originate as an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden"? That's a common old wives' tale. Or, in this case, more likely an old husband's tale.

No, "golf" is not an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden." If you've ever heard that, forget it immediately. Better yet, find the person who told you and let them know it's not true.

Like most modern words, the word "golf" derives from older languages and dialects. In this case, the languages in question are medieval Dutch and old Scots.

The medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve" meant "club." It is believed that word passed to the Scots, whose old Scots dialect transformed the word into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."

By the 16th Century, the word "golf" had emerged.

Sources: British Golf Museum, USGA Library

[cbjunkie]

nice scholarship - are you an amateur linguist or just a lucky googlist?

[Kelvin8]

I was in Toronto back in the --oh gosh-- 80's. Wandering about, exploring. I wandered into ... well it was either city hall or the courthouse, the one with the big mural above a staircase landing where you're not supposed to take pictures, but everyone who gets married there does. Anyway, this couple had just gotten married and wanted a picture or the wedding party in front of the mural and, seeing as I had an Canon EOS, they figured I knew what I was doing and asked if I would oblige. I did. The bride said to me as I handed back her camera, "Thanks, eh."

[6pkrunner]

One of the reasons I loved Doug and Bob McKenzie so much. They used archtypical Canadian stereotypes. For most back bacon is priced well beyond their financial means. I onlt know a few people who real real toques, and even in those days Canadian beer consumption was far below what other nations had per capita. And I never knew anyone who used "eh" except for spelling as pointed out above - "C-eh-N-eh-D-eh"

[needswork]

6pkrunner,
There are some Bob & Doug typres around here, I think the character's creaters modelled the characters from actual people arounded here and just rolled them up into Bob & Doug. But I've noticed that "eh" doesn't get used as much as it used to (but it still get's some use). I've caught myself doing it the odd time too. My kids more often. 

[6pkrunner]

There are some Bob & Doug typres around here,

Oh good Lord - you have my sympathies and condolences.
Do they use the term "hoser" or "take off eh"?

Just kidding.

[needswork]

There are some Bob & Doug typres around here,

Oh good Lord - you have my sympathies and condolences.
Do they use the term "hoser" or "take off eh"?

Just kidding.

Not really eh 

[csendker]

...it's a jelly.