oops sorry, didn't know that - was actually thinking of the word in terms of the charming Sam Gamgee, who always spoke well of 'my old gaffer' - *codger* now, that is in my mind as an endearing term for a man who has been around a long time - it doesn't connote champagne, but definitely good ale.
Now trying to think of another feminine equivalent - surely not 'old biddy' :p > > >dear dowagers and gaffers > > Naaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! It can't be "Gaffers". That's a Pommie word which > isn't used down here in the Land of Oz. > > We could use "Codger" or "Cove" - but they too are now archaic. > David Dear Arachnes, I have resorted to the Thesaurus (even though that's cheating!) I checked biddy, old and otherwise and it is none too flattering. Then I thought of looking for something spiderish, but considering lady spiders habits concering their mates, I thought the male Arachnes probably wouldn't care for that. I looked up elder and found the charming word ** doyen **(fem. doyenne). The English equivalent is dean, non-gender specific, meaning a senior and honored member of a group. Which sure fits OUR senior, honored members. I nominate the Deans of Arachne. Patty - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
