A new MRIW idea

[undyingking]

I was thinking about starting off a new series of posts relating to Mo's Rather Interesting World of Exploded Folk Etymologies. The idea is that it will reveal the true origins of popular words and phrases which we generally think we know where they come from, but are wrong.

Unlike MRIWFSORD, this will be more of an interactive thing. So for this first one, I want you to say in a comment what you think is the origin of the word "posh". No looking it up, just off the top of your head. Or if you know of a theory but also know or believe it to be wrong, then say that and you can look clever. Or indeed if you'd like to invent a theory now for entertainment purposes, go for it.

Comments

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Not entirely apocryphally -- but Wait And See, as they say.

[mrlloyd.livejournal.com]

[Avoids looking at all the above comments to say with the total confidence of a man who is ignoring the 'things we all think we know' part of the idea to say]

Port Out Starboard Home, referring to the cabins you wanted for Atlantic crossings on cruise liners. The acronym would be written on your (more expensive) ticket.

I will now read the other comments and wince.

[mrlloyd.livejournal.com]

OK, wincing.

I think the dutch word for wash is was by the way (pronounced a bit like vase only with no e on the end and a w on the front - I'm not good at this...)

[thecesspit.livejournal.com]

It makes sense if you want the sun in your cabin all day, at least.

I had to think about why I'd want a 'POSH' ticket.

Course, Americans would've want a SOPH ticket. So if this was the right etymology, surely things would be 'soph' over here. Like trousers aren't your pants.

[mrlloyd.livejournal.com]

Well perhaps, but with the USA being an allegedly classless society perhaps a euphamism for 'upper class' wasn't something they were likely to come up with.