Andrew C. West scripsit: > The OED says "Orig. Black & pidgin Eng. after Sp. sabe usted you know"
The OED's etymology is almost certainly wrong in this case. M-w.com, as well as creolists generally, are quite firm in the Portuguese etymology, not (obviously) on formalist grounds, but because of the historical facts of both Atlantic and Pacific creole formation. > To me at least, it conjures up images of Tonto speaking to the Lone Ranger : "Me > no savvy, Kemo Sabe". You bet: that too is pidgin, and in fact "mi no savi" is perfectly grammatical Tok Pisin. -- But you, Wormtongue, you have done what you could for your true master. Some reward you have earned at least. Yet Saruman is apt to overlook his bargains. I should advise you to go quickly and remind him, lest he forget your faithful service. --Gandalf John Cowan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
