One of the fun ideas offered in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, is playing period English card games for Thanksgiving. We are finally getting the hang of two old card games, but recently we discovered an interesting way to enhance the historical gaming atmosphere.
After we went to press this season I came across a source for Old-English phrases, insults and threats. As a family we have started using them when playing cards, and it has added a whole new dimension of hilarity! If you’re not laughing at how goofy your loved ones sound trying to speak archaic English, then you’ll just be plain tickled by the strange expressions.
So, since I didn’t come across these until after we went to print (2008), I thought I would post them here on the blog so people can enjoy them this year.
Also get more Thanksgiving Time Travel tips at: http://www.letsplayhistory.org/3squaresaday/carries-chat/7-tips-tg/
Have fun!
- aye = yes
- aye? = right?
- nay = no
- I’ee be loookin’ arrt fer ya = I am looking out for you (helping newbs learn the game)
- be righeet wahlcum = be right welcome (make yourself welcome here)
- g’-looohk t’ thee /ya = good luck to you
- I’ee’ull wayee-jarr a han-soohm ven-char = I’ll wager a handsome venture
- I’ee be yer hoohm-ble sarrvint = I am your humble servant
- the lot or ya bayee chaiters! = all of you are cheaters!
- thou doos’ chaite! = you do cheat!
- I’ee’ull breng me boot ter ya! = I’ll bring my boot to you! (I’ll kick you)
- blayss yer roosty ahrrt! = bless your rusty heart!
- remoof yar car-cahss! = remove your carcass! (get out of here)
- I’ee’ull sayee thee blayed! = I’ll see you bleed!
- whech bayee warse? = which is worse? (when deciding one’s cards)
- yer myeen’s oohn-henged = your mind is unhinged (you are crazy)
- hoold yher toongue = hold your tongue
- an’ bae doohn witt ett = and be done with it (hurry up)
- ‘eave a-hayd = heave ahead (press forward, or hurry up)
- sharr ‘n sarten arr ye? = sure and certain are you?
