James Callow Folklore Archive
Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR
COLDER THAN A WELL-DIGGERS ASS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD THIS STORY: BEFORE THE AGE OF MACHINERY WHEN PEOPLE
DUG THEIR OWN WELLS THEIR BACKSIDES WERE CLOSE TO THE SIDE OF THE
WELL WALL BECAUSE THE HOLE WAS SO NARROW. BECAUSE OF THE DAMP GROUND
THE WELL-DIGGER'S BACKSIDE OFTEN GOT VERY COLD.
Data entry tech comment: GOOD GRIEF
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CLIMATE
James Callow Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM: BACKSIDES
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Air Weather Fire SPEECH -- Folk etymology PROVERB -- Blason Populaire PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison |
Date learned: 03-08-1970