Capt Lightning
Well-known Member
- Location
- Historic Buchan, Scotland
Back as far as 1295, the Kingdoms of Scotland and France formed what came to be known as the 'Auld Alliance' - a diplomatic and military agreement aimed at keeping the English in check. As well as access to French wine, a number of French words entered the language and the motto of Aberdeen city is "Bon Accord" - French for "Good Agreement"....
However along with these, is an intriguing slang term - "Gardyloo". This dates back to the times when cities such as Glasgow, had areas of overcrowded housing with poor or no sanitary facilities. Rather than emptying waste water,urine etc.. down a communal drain, it was simply easier to throw it out the window - especially from upper storeys. In order to alert any passers by of this, It was usual to shout "Gardyloo". Thus derives from the French "gardez l'eau" - beware of the water! (the exact French term is unclear) and was in use until the mid 1900's when housing conditions were inproved.
However along with these, is an intriguing slang term - "Gardyloo". This dates back to the times when cities such as Glasgow, had areas of overcrowded housing with poor or no sanitary facilities. Rather than emptying waste water,urine etc.. down a communal drain, it was simply easier to throw it out the window - especially from upper storeys. In order to alert any passers by of this, It was usual to shout "Gardyloo". Thus derives from the French "gardez l'eau" - beware of the water! (the exact French term is unclear) and was in use until the mid 1900's when housing conditions were inproved.
