Author Topic: OT - British slang (thanks Jennie) (Read 2118 times)

Highmac · « **on:** February 13, 2003, 07:47:00 AM »

Jennie asked on another thread why the Brits use 'cowboy' for an unscrupulous worker (cowboy builder). Still don't know the answer, but in my efforts to find it I came across this wonderful site with links to just about anything to do with the English language. There was a link to definitions. But I still haven't found the answer to the original question

[ 02-13-2003, 08:59 AM: Message edited by: Highmac ]

kelly · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2003, 11:01:00 PM »

Found this. Enter at your own risk I guess.

http://www.cockneycowboy.ic24.net/index.htm

taliesin · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2003, 01:10:00 PM »

Interesting sites!
As to the origin of the term "cowboy builder", though, I've no idea, and so far I haven't found an online dictionary which gives more than definitions. Still hunting.

iGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2003, 06:16:00 PM »

I believe kelly's link give the answer to Jennie's question, Highmac.

quote:
Cowboy n. 1. A conventional character of Wild West folklore.
2.A person who is an irresponsible or unscrupulous operator in business.

Ryan

Bill · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2003, 06:30:00 PM »

Spock: "Captain Kirk had the same - Cowboy diplomacy - as you Captain Pecard. <gr>

jepinto · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2003, 07:16:00 PM »

Yes, I suspect the term came from the American West, but .....how and why?

News:

Author Topic: OT - British slang (thanks Jennie) (Read 2118 times)