_"Cocks n' hens"_

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1965
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/13501

cock This is the local term for the common soft shelled clam, Mya arenaria, which is quite common in the area. Those clams are edible, and were formerly eaten quit often, but now seem to have lost popularity, although a few people still eat them. The clam is oval in shape and chalky white in colour, being quite fragile as well. I have gone digging for then at the sandy beaches where they abound, and have talked with several who regard a meal of them as a real delicacy. The word itself is used commonly in the Grand Bank area among people of all ages and occupations. I have also heard my grandmother, Mrs. Maude Baker, friom Burin, P. Bay, used it also. When showing her my collection of shells this summer (65), she spotted some specimens of the soft shelled clams and immediately commented, "Huh, what you wouldn't collect! I've seen thousands of then cock 'n hens on the lamwash in Burin Bay." DICT CEN. DNE-cit DNE-cit NOV 23 1965 [check] Used I and Sup Used I 1 Not Used cock and hen, glam, cock caplin, cock indian Checked by Jordyn Hughes on Mon 13 Jun 2016