Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Postcard from the Jubilee

Britain has a problem. Not only because someone is bothering to dress this poor statue up for any excuse; not only because of the weather/performance at Eurovision/government/etc, but because of this: the word 'bostin'' has dropped out of common parlance.

As I was wondering whether to take this photo of the bull's Jubilee outfit given that a passing bird had removed what may have remained of his dignity with that white smear on his forehead, a couple stopped to read the sign placed by his rump. It's advertising the shopping centre's contributions to the summer of celebrations across Britain. They've branded this the 'Bostin British Summer'.

One of the pair said, (in an English accent, though not West Midlands) 'What's 'bostin'?'

I can't blame him. It's Brummie slang you don't hear used much even in Brum.

I don't really mind the Jubilee bunting overkill, the Olympic endurance event or anything else that's making 2012 the summer to supposedly end all summers. I just can't help thinking Britain would be a nicer place if it were Bostin rather than trying to be Great.

4 comments:

Lexi said...

So what is bostin? Have you ever bosted?

Katharine D'Souza said...

Brilliant, smashing, fab, or other enthusiastic word. It's not show offy. It's just good.

Apparently that costume was designed by someone who also does outfits for Strictly Come Dancing. Explains a lot.

Derry said...

Bostin has Anglo Saxon origins. It means ace, brilliant, fab - e.g.: Thats bostin' ay it! (That is really good, isn't it) :)

Katharine D'Souza said...

Hi Derry
Isn't it alarming how many people don't know?!

I meant to put a link to the Vernon Manuscript stuff in the post, but forgot.

Here's the link for anyone who wants to know more about how Brummies are preserving true English (!)

http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/edacs/departments/english/research/projects/vernon/index.aspx