boo-darbies

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/12219

boo n would say, "He's a great big man and nobody knows what he'll do to you." While Tommy is thinking about it mother will say, so as not to frighten him too much, "He won't hurt you if you're good, so you better do as you're told next time.96 I have heard this used many times in situations where kids are told to go to bed, get washed, run a simple errand, or just get out of doors till supper time. Very effective within my home and the homes of neighbours. (Ramea) 67-10. A80.2. "Don't go down there - the boo-darbies are down there." (probably referring to an old cellar, which could be very dangerous for the child).97 (Avondale) Q67-521. A80.3. Threats were often used to frighten little children but I doubt whether this is very common today. The most common one that I have heard of being used is the "boo-darbies". Common threats included, "I'm going to give you to the boo-darbies." "I'm going to get the boo-darbies to chase you." (Avondale) -Card (B) cont'd from card A) Used I and Sup Used I 4 Used I See B_13505 for reverse. This is the second in a three-card series, from cards B_4900 to B_4902. The quote in A80.2. appears in DNE I, but is attributed to page 84 of this text.