2007-09-16 01:41:13 · 6 answers · asked by alan r 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
It is actually a parody of an ancient form of oath-making, in which one swears to undertake a long and arduous journey or pilgrimage. Here, the oath is merely to make a journey of a few feet, to the foot of your own stairs!
2007-09-16 01:57:47 · answer #1 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
An expression of exasperation and it should be...
I'll goo ter t'foot o' our stairs, I seem to remember Frank Randle saying it quite a lot but I'm sure he was a Lancastrian.
Here in Nottinghamshire we say:
I'll goo t'Trent.
2007-09-19 14:51:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to express astonishment, conventionally, but my mum always says it in extreme exasperation, when something is simply too much to bear. Her dad used to say it too.
I can't find anyone on the web who understands it. Everyone attributes it to Yorks or Lancs, tho my mum's family's from Hertfordshire.
2007-09-18 05:33:52 · answer #3 · answered by Colin G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know when it first came into use but I have always known this a Yorkshire saying and when I use it I put on a (very bad) Yorkshire accent.
2007-09-16 08:56:10 · answer #4 · answered by Gardengirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having lived in Yorkshire were I first heard it I thought it was just a variation of "I'll go to our house." but lacking the same sense of surprise.
2007-09-17 17:18:56 · answer #5 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the answer, but I think the question is fabulous.
I will keep a keen eye on the answers you receive.
Well done.
2007-09-18 05:35:22 · answer #6 · answered by Jadore 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋