Letters / Can you help to shed light on an old saying?
A friend down in Oxford is a member of an epidemiology research group and was working for a time in Shetland where he came across a question ‘Wha smit dee?’ in an old book.
He is trying to find out about this phrase and wondered if any of your readers would be able to help out.
The same project turned up information about people avoiding weddings if they were carrying an infectious disease. I have not heard of this but it seems like a perfectly sensible thing to do! If anyone knows about this, or any dialect sayings that relate to the spread of infections, we would be very interested to hear from them.
Any leads can be emailed to aross@btinternet.com, and my mobile number is 07900 430 429.
We would be keen to hear from people who remember/ still use the phrase mentioned above, or can shed any light on possible sources where traditions, sayings or old beliefs about illness might be published.
Andy Ross
Yell
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
