the 1983 book "The Story of the English Language" concluded that the first was more likely, but that there wasn't enough evidence to draw a definite conclusion. the OED traces first documented use, which doesn't give any clue as to how long it was used before it was documented. Aussie rhyming slang was well established by the early 1800s when the term appeared and pomegranate rhymed. that's what mattered. no logic involved at all. check Cockney rhyming slang as one of the strongest influences to Aussie rhyming slang and it works much the same way. sound is the only logic.
Herb.... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Brogden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, January 02, 2004 3:45 PM Subject: Re: Photographic New Years Resolutions? > My Collins says, "among a number of explanations are: (1) based on a blend > of IMMIGRANT and POMEGRANATE (alluding to the red cheeks of English > immigrants); (2) from the abbreviation POME, Prisoner of Mother England > (referring to convicts)"
