Bobby Blake

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/6413

bobbly blake n The term, '_Bobby Blake_' The term was first used by my informant to describe a very thin Biafran during a 'Care for Canada' advertising commercial. It was spoken in a humorous and joking manner. The informants statement was, "all he'd make is a good Bobby Blake". In inquiry about this unusual term, it was explained that a Bobby Blake was a device used by [see 'atomy' master card] [reverse] fishermen in the Twillingate, Nfld. area for the drying of herring for domestic use during the informant's boyhood. It consisted of the top of a fir tree that had been dried and the needles removed. Herring were attached to the limbs of the tree by pushing the limb through the gills of the fish. the fish were left suspended in this manner until they dried, which they did; but very importantly they dried in a straight manner for easier frying. Another benefit which the dreid herring had was tht in frying it was not necessary to put grease in the pan because the grease had come to the surface of the herring as it dried and this was sufficient for the purpose. My informant did not know exactly where the term originated, except that it was used by his parents and the people of the community. The term was used to describe the refugee because the exposed rib-cage reminded the informant of this drying device. DICT CEN. DNE-cit Not used Not used Withdrawn 'atomy' master card Withdrawn but no stamp; Card marked DNE-cit, but not used; "Newfoundland Folklore Survey Card"; Reverse side of B_11582