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Archiver > ABERDEEN > 2012-02 > 1329832789


From: Gavin Bell <>
Subject: Re: [ABERDEEN] Meaning of "loon"
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:59:49 +0000
References: <1E6AA5D2768143FBA28727FC16683BF0@fran> <002401ccf05b$d97fbfe0$8c7f3fa0$@pl.net><CAEv-m76iQ3V33oDMw+mhP9Roym8vSwhCVXwFTE=VvOnMQU8o_w@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <CAEv-m76iQ3V33oDMw+mhP9Roym8vSwhCVXwFTE=VvOnMQU8o_w@mail.gmail.com>


Tom Graham wrote:

>Mary,
> I don't think there is any pejorative implication what-so-ever in calling
>a boy a loon though an adjective can be attached to convey such a meaning.
>Used on its own there can even be an element of affection implied.
> Tom
>
>On 21 February 2012 05:44, Mary Legarth <> wrote:
>
>
>
>>I remember my Aunt referring to "loons," however, I suspected at the time
>>they were people who did not confirm to her very conservative views.
>>
>>Mary
>>
>>

There is a distinction between the usage of "standard" English and the
usage of North-East Scots. In "standard" English, "loon" is now
obsolete, but was formerly used with a derogatory implication. Somewhere
or other Shakespeare has the splendid curse: "The Devil damn thee
black, thou cream-faced loon". In NE Scots*, on the other hand, "loon"
is simply the normal word for a boy or youth, and can, as Tom says,
carry an affectionate tone.


Gavin Bell


* and only in the North East - Scots from other areas laugh at us for
our use of the word, and its companion "quine".

>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: [mailto:]
>>On Behalf Of Fran and Dave
>>Sent: Tuesday, 21 February 2012 5:46 p.m.
>>To:
>>Subject: [ABERDEEN] Meaning of "loon"
>>
>>Hello, list,
>>In a newspaper article about my great-uncle, he is referred to as an
>>Aberdeenshire "loon". Now in Canada, a loon is a magnificent black and
>>white
>>lake bird, but I'm sure there's another meaning in Aberdeen! Can anyone
>>help, please?
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Fran Hastie
>>15641
>>
>>
>>
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>>http://www.eset.com
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>>
>>
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