James Callow Folklore Archive
Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
FOLK ETYMOLOGY: SHYSTER
THIS WORD IS THE CURRENT NAME OF AN UNSCRUPULOUS LAWYER. A
GERMAN LAWYER OF NEW YORK ONCE APPLIED FOR A WARRANT FOR A
CLIENT WHO HAD SLANDERED HIM BY CALLING HIM A VULGAR NAME
WHICH, AS PRONOUNCED BY THE LAWYER, SOUNDED LIKE SHYSTER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Name calling ; SLANG ; Vulgar ; XX
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Common law |