SCOTTISH HUMOR

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10459, 14 December 1927, Page 2

SCOTTISH HUMOR

WHAT IS MEANT BY “PAWKY

The average man believes that the dominant characteristic of Scottish humor is its pawkiness, but if you ask him what he means, by “pawky” ho probably cannot- tell. It is one of those adjectives that have no exact synonym, but must, be interpreted by a combination of several others. “Pawky” means more than dry. It includes also the ideas of friendliness and being slyly facetious. Its true inwardness may be better understood from certain typical examples of Scottish humor. It is easier to feel what it means than to express it and generally speaking the. element of restraint is prominent.

Take such an example* as this. A Glasgow man and an Aberdeen man are arguing about the respective merits of their cities, more particularly in good monagement. The Aberdeen man declares that the Glasgow folk are mean, whereupon comes the- sly statement that “no seagulls are ever known to follow an Aberdeen boat.” The drinking customs are responsible for many flashes of illustrative humor on tho principle that when the wine is in the wit is out. -A Scot lay dying and held a dialague with ' his wife. “Margaret, when folk come to my funeral ye’ll be giving them a glass o’ whisky.” “Aye.” . “And when they come back from my funeral ye’ll ho giving them another glass.” “Aye.” “YVoel, Margaret, I’ll no be coinin’ back.” With unquestioned literary artistry the story stops there. When two sections'of the Presbyterian Church were at loggerheads a member of one of them called on his minister to discuss tho issue. Unhappily this particular member had got a little fuddled before ho reached the manse and the minister, seeing his condition, tried to persuade him to go home* and come back on some other occasion. “No, minister, I must discuss the point wi’ you at once and just as I am. for I dinna care* a d about it when' I’m sober.”

It is said that a Scot never tells his wife lie loves her till she’s dying. He hates to show emotion, vet iw man has more of it. Tho standard example- of restraint struggling with affection is familiar to all students of Scottish humor. Jean, the faithful wife, lay dying, and thus- addressed herself to her husband. “John, I’vo just one request t o mnk’ before I leave ye, and I hope ye’ll no’ object.” !‘What is’t J’ean ” “That on the day o’ my funeral ye’ll ride in the same- carriage wi’ my mother.” “Weel, Jean, since ye’ve asked me I will, but I must say ye’ve spoiled the day for me.” To add a word of explanation would kill that story. '■' ,l