A page from Henry Jenner's 'Handbook of the Cornish Language' at the start of a chapter titled 'Swear-Words and Expletives'. The visible text reads: "Cornish is a disappointing language in respect of swear-words, for it is by no means rich in those “ornaments to conversation.” Except for a few very distressing expressions, now better forgotten, which are put into the mouths of the evil characters in the Dramas, the swears are mostly quite harmless, and even pious. It is not at all difficult or morally dangerous to learn to swear in Cornish."
"Surprise is generally expressed by Re Varîa! By Mary! By Our Lady! shortened at times to Arîa! and Rîa! This is used as an Englishman might say “By Jove!” or “By George!” or a Frenchman “Dame!”
"If there is an element of annoyance mingled with the surprise, An Jowl! The Devil, may be mentioned with effect, perhaps by those to whom Re Varîa! savours too much of Popery; but Re Varîa! is in better taste. An Jowl may be used, as in English, after words signifying where, what, why, when, to strengthen a question."
"An assertion is strengthened by the use of the name of a saint, preferably the patron of one’s own parish (though any Cornishman may swear by St. Michael)"
This week is the #GorsedhKernow Esedhvos festival in Marazion. / Yma'n #Esedhvos yn Marghasyow an seythen ma
This book from our #GorsedhKernow Collection was written by Henry Jenner, a founder of the Gorsedh, to help people learn Cornish. It even has a chapter on Cornish swear words!
#EYAEducation
