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Archiver > ENG-HAMPSHIRE > 2004-09 > 1095416521


From: Sandra J Smith <>
Subject: Re: [ENG-HANTS] Origins of the word Mush/Moosh
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 11:22:01 +0100
References: <002601c49c99$97cbed30$19d74f51@chris>
In-Reply-To: <002601c49c99$97cbed30$19d74f51@chris>


Hi Chris and Caroline
"Mush" was a very common expression in Southampton and area when I was
growing up there in the 40's and 50's. Not necessarily unfriendly,
"Saw this mush walking down the road" to indicate a man/chap/fellow as
you say.
I often wonder whether it was a foreign word that had been "adopted"
seeing that many mushes in Southampton were seafaring folk. (A bit like
the word "thug" which we stole from India - thuggi)
Sandra

Chris & Caroline wrote:

>As a couple of people are wondering about the local word Mush or Moosh
>as it is pronounced we did a little delving into Google and
>dictionaries. Nothing was mentioned so we joined a website which gives
>the origins of expressions and sayings as well as myths etc.
>Here is the reply we found.
>
>'This first started appearing in the 1930s, meaning just a man/chap.
>Perhaps the opening 'm' seemed to fit with the 'm' of mate and hence it
>came to be applied more frequently to a friend/acquaintance. The origin
>is unknown and it doesn't appear to have much connection with any of the
>other meanings of the word. '
>
>'I was brought up in Surrey, & it was used there too a lot. I don't
>know.
>Just to be clear to those not fluent in Home Counties dialect, we are
>not talking about "mush" as said to huskies to move them on, nor is it a
>diminutive for a pet mushroom.
>This word rhymes with push. Like mate or chum, it's used to address
>someone, often in a slightly unfriendly way, as in: "Watch it mush, or
>I'll clock you one", or "Oi mush, you looking at my bird?!". '
>
>If anybody else knows if this is correct or any other version please let
>us know, if the list administrator prefers off list please (Hampshire
>Life excluded)
>
>Chris and Caroline
>
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