2007-09-25 00:35:09 · 7 answers · asked by Tim 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Difficult this one. Northern (and Midlands) English has several meanings for the word cob, the main one being a rounded stone used for building walls, the other a bread roll (similar shape). Possible connections could be that someone angry could be armed with a stone, or that they were hardened like the crust of a bread roll. Some say it is maritime in origin but I'm not sure what a 'cob' is in relation to a boat. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable of 1898 gives cob as a rich aristocrat: 'The “cob of the county” is the great boss thereof. A rich cob is a plutocrat.' Whether it was to do with the noble getting angry I don't know...
2007-09-25 01:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by Kieran J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting - I thought that was just a local saying ( I'm in Stoke on Trent)
A cob would be a sulk but I'm afraid I can't help with the origin of it.
2007-09-25 00:52:28 · answer #2 · answered by Debi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cousin would use this and they live in Long Eaton, Nottingham (or some say it comes under Derby) but it is definitely a midlands saying, as well as "mardy" as miserable, and "ayup me duck" hello! - erm, mash pot is to make a cup of tea, put wood in hole - shut the door, oh & they call their mum's "mam" - my children all call me "mummy"
No offence, but thankfully I moved away when I was young enough to not be stuck with the accent! Prob get thumbs down but hey my opinion!
2007-09-25 02:15:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
1
2017-02-19 14:44:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think for the north of England, not sure tho'
2007-09-25 00:48:43 · answer #5 · answered by Ali K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard of having a lob on.
2007-09-25 00:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No idea. I always thought me dad made it up. Thanks for asking!
2007-09-25 00:40:36 · answer #7 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋