The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THIS IS A FAMILY LEGEND ABOUT HOW POLISH PEOPLE CAME TO BE
KNOWN AS POLECATS BY OUR SOUTHERN KIN. WHEN MY MOTHER ANNOUNCED
HER ENGAGEMENT TO HER POLISH FIANCE, MY GRANDFATHER AND OTHERS
THOUGHT OF HIM AS A NORTHERN "POLELOCK." MY YOUNG COUSIN HAD A
DIFFICULTY WITH THE CONCEPT. HE CAME UP WITH THE IDEA THAT HIS
"AUNT KAY IS GOING TO MARRY A POLECAT!" THE ADULTS IN THE FAMILY
SEIZED THE IDEA. IT IS STILL USED AT FAMILY GATHERINGS.

Submitter comment: THE FIRST TIME I REMEMBER HEARING THE ORIGIN OF THE POLISH
POLECAT, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT A POLECAT WAS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE

Keyword(s): SKUNK