cut v cut his tails

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1978
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/18543

cut v _Cut one's Tails_: A boy at the fishery in the old days was taken on to fish in the same boat with the men on the understanding that he should 'cut his tails,' that is to say, cut a small angular piece off the fin at the tail of each fish that he hauled on board. When the voyage was over all these were picked out and credited to him, and he was paid accordingly. If it was necessary to make a further distinction and keep another lot separate a cut was made on each side and then we had 'swallow tail.' This might be codnet fish or bultow fish. Printed Item 14 Apr 78 Used I and Sup Not Used 2 Not Used cut off (the linnet/twine), cut out (a young seal), cut-tail, cut-throat(er), cut-off, cut pole, cutwater, cut tails, cut throats Checked by Jordyn Hughes on Mon 04 Jul 2016