I just read the def. of pigsney, and was surprised to find:
1. A sweetheart.
2. An eye, especially a small one.
[From Middle English piggesnye (pig's eye).]
Now, the phrase 'in a pig's eye' is completely derogatory! How did that happen? I only found one "reference" to the origin, which said: The derisive retort IN A PIG’S EYE!, is chiefly U.S. and Australian (according to the OED), and is a vehement denial expressing scornful disbelief ... . Whether that's correct or not I have no idea, and I'm not going to put the source because a.) it was a person posting on another board, and (chiefly) b.) it's an "authority" that I don't recognize as such.
Aside: technically, I guess this post belongs in Weekly Themes, but since nightotter (hi!) started this thread on change in meaning, it just seemed to fit here.
