Okay I hope everyone has recoverd from my earlier faux pas. I have another question. I heard the expression "Working like a Trojan". What does that mean and where does that expression originate from?

Some say it is like the phrase "work like a dog."
That particular meaning is to work very hard.

If there is a different meaning I am sure it will be posted.

Here is the explanation according to the Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins

Trojan originally referred to the inhabitants of Troy, the ancient city besieged by the Greeks in their efforts to retrieve their queen, Helen, who had been abducted by the son of the King of Troy.

According to legend, as recorded in both Vergil's 'Aeneid' and Homer's 'Illiad,' the Trojans were a hard-working, determined, industrious people. Hence: 'He worked like a Trojan'

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for explaining about the United Kingdom and Great Britain. It helps to know how everything fits together.

I thought that all of Ireland was part of the UK and never understood why it was often mentioned separately, but now I know.

This thread is wonderful. On the new forum, we will need a questions thread like this one. This one isn't really just about Scottish terminology anymore.

I just finished Lynsay's "The Chase" and the meal Seonaid asked for was Colcannon, Black Bun, and Haggis. It was nice to know what those were when I was reading. The book was fantastic...but I knew it would be!

wren

Sorry guys one more question - how much does a "stone" equate in pounds?

I.E. He weighs 10 stone.

A "stone" = 14 pounds.

wren

Thanks W2 and also to C1 for your email

You are welcome J4. I thought it would be safer.

C1ofAE4

What is a skoda? Is it a type of car? I have never even heard of it before? (watching TOP GEAR and they mentioned it on the show but didn't elaborate)