shore

time

Some sailors manage to spend their entire career on shore.  They are scathingly referred to as 'Dockyard Stanchions'  by those who spend most of their time bouncing around on the big blue 'oggin'.

prison - "doing time"

Dartmoor

I rode past Dartmoor Prison many years back, in the early hours of the morning.  Just the sight of the place chilled my soul, quite literally.  When I got nearer and saw the 'No Stopping' signs along the road it reminded me of the similar rules along the road near Porton Down, the germ warfare place on Salisbury Plain.

I'm surprised they felt the need of a sign to discourage people from loitering near a prison.  Most people are only too eager to leave.

pony

One of the native British breeds.

measurement

which is apparently not standardized but is about 7 ounces

Only today - today - I came across it used as a measurement, and didn't understand what it meant.  About half a pound, then.

length

slang

(As in 'he slipped her a length'.

Quote from: Jo Bannister on March 29, 2026, 01:33:55 PMI'm surprised they felt the need of a sign to discourage people from loitering near a prison.  Most people are only too eager to leave.

I suspect it's just a legal thing so they can automatically 'move on' anyone who is 'loitering suspiciously', rather like the 'no photography' rules around military premises.  Often not enforced, but there if needed.

dialect

local

Quite a few New Forest natives say 'turnt' for turned, and 'kilt' for killed.

There's a 14th century towerhouse across the lough from here, called Kilclief.  It's said how it's spelled, except by the immediate locals who drop the C - "Kilief".  Go figure.

neighbouring

adjacent

next


Jo, a pony seems to be a liquid measure used in pubs and bars for measuring out beer. I think that is where "pony up to the bar" comes from.

Is it?  I thought the pony was referring to £20, which the customer was slapping down.  See this language! - we need another one to explain it.

pending

approaching