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Archiver > WARWICK > 1999-06 > 0930261989


From: "Michael Bruff" <>
Subject: Re: Brummagem Ware
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 23:06:29 +0100


> Bernard wrote For Michael Bruff to now come along and say "Brummagem Ware"
> signified poor quality or inferior goods then he certainly can't be talking of
> the "Brummagum" prior to the 1960's when the reputation was for solidly made
> and long lasting goods.I am now in my late 60's and in many places around the
> world that I have been you can still find solid dependable objects in use that
> were made in "Birmingham" It would indeed be calumny to suggest it, it is made
> even worse by MB putting in print what he himself claims not to believe!!.

I wasn't bargaining for my interest in philology to ruffle feathers!
However, every dictionary I've come across puts that in print as the
definition of 'Brummagem ware', calumnious as it is! I should, perhaps,
have pointed out that this is *not* a current term, and had probably fallen
into desuetude by WWI. Nevertheless:

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable:

'Worthless or inferior metal articles, made in imitation of genuine
ones..... Birmingham, a town formerly noted for the manufacture of cheap
trinkets, toys, imitation jewellery'

'A work-table...... inlaid with brass..... in that peculiar taste which is
vulgarly called BRUMMAGEM'

(Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 'My Novel', 1853)

It's clear, therefore, that the phrase was current early on in Queen
Victoria's reign, and probably originated earlier still. Unfortunately, the
many fine products of Birmingham's workshops were often damned along with
the tat. I have a vague recollection of my grandfather bemoaning this many
years ago.

As for 'popping one's clogs', I have no idea whether it's of Brummy origin
or not, but I certainly can't remember hearing it being used until
relatively
recently. Maybe Monty Python's 'Parrot Sketch is to blame‹yet it's surely
fairly venerable, as 'pop' (as in 'pawn') probably hasn't been current slang
since before WWII. 'Clogs' would appear to indicate a northern origin.

Regards

Mick

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