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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4 |
This word appears in Bryce Courtenay's novel "The Potato Factory". On checking the OED, I find no reference. The word "Nether" I assume is "lower" and "Ken" from "to know". The context he uses seems to suggest a "Doss-house". Any ideas?
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Joined: Mar 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
I seem to recall that word being in "The Quincunx", though
not sure. From the context, I took it as an allusion to the
netherworld, in this case referring to the filthiest, nastiest part of the city.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
but 'ken' is also a slang term - a rowdy house for thieves and beggars [W3 says "probably short for kennel"]
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Joined: Sep 2000
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stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Sep 2000
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Jackie, on re-reading the context he uses it in, your allusion would seem correct by "referring to the filthiest, nastiest part of the city". The city in this case being the East End of London.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
The city in this case being the East End of London.
In which case tsuwm is undoubtedly correct (is he ever anything else, I hear you cry)
Mayhew uses the term frequently to describe common lodging houses (i.e., doss-houses) in mid C19 London.
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