Raggamuffin - Etymology

[BigRoryG]

My english prof. was wondering whence this word originates. Anyone know?

Grazi

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"C'mon, it's not even tomorrow yet..." - Rupert

If you need a graphic solution, http:\\talk.to\Piglet (http://talk.to\Piglet)

[UncleBeer]

This from Merriam-Webster

Main Entry: rag·a·muf·fin
Pronunciation: 'ra-g&-"m&-f&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English Ragamuffyn, name for a ragged, oafish person
Date: 1581
: a ragged often disreputable person; especially : a poorly clothed often dirty child
: name of a demon in Piers Plowman

[BigRoryG]

Thanks Unc. how you doin'?

Have you read this Piers Plowman book? whatsit aboot?

------------------
"C'mon, it's not even tomorrow yet..." - Rupert

If you need a graphic solution, http:\\talk.to\Piglet (http://talk.to\Piglet)

[UncleBeer]

I've never read it, but you can find Piers Plowman (http://shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=22I0ME0B54&mscssid=WAVEXUMFSTSH2GPS0017QRP4P03EAXS5&srefer=&isbn=0192825879) at Barnes and Noble.

And at the risk of posting mundane and off-topic, I'm doin' fine. How was that Alfredo sauce?

[BigRoryG]

Didn't make it... she cancelled.... had to ski all day and was too tired :-(

I'll make it someday tho.

------------------
"C'mon, it's not even tomorrow yet..." - Rupert

If you need a graphic solution, http:\\talk.to\Piglet (http://talk.to\Piglet)

[Carl Berry]

We should chip in & buy Big's english prof(sic) a dictionary!

[UncleBeer]

I thought that was kind of odd myself, an English perfesser without a dictionary. For god's sake, ragamuffin even has it's roots in Middle English.

So Rory, other than that, how is this prof? He/She doesn't sound too sharp to me.

[frolix8]

Or he could have checked with the word detective:
http://www.word-detective.com/070698.html#ragamuffin

It's at the bottom of the page.

[Kat]

Looks like Rory foiled that evil plot. ;)

[Arnold Winkelried]

Maybe the english professor was trying in a subtle way to have the students go look up the meaning of the word ragamuffin themselves. With luck, some of them might end up reading some medieval english poetry.