In the pot I found three of these sets of little brass pins. Where did I get them? I have no recollection of ever going to Paignton. I think they must have been in one of those tins of random haberdashery I have acquired over the years.
Haberdashery is such a great word - but none of the etymologists can fully agree on its origins - it goes back to the 1400s. It could be
- from Middle English haberdas meaning small things, sold by a pedlar or market trader
- from the French haber d'acheter, "to have to buy"
- from Old German habt ihr das?, have you got this?
- from Dutch haberdoedas, gibberish
- from avoirdupois - merchandise sold by weight, which was occasionally spelt with an h
Nobody seems to be sure. Finding this little set of pins reminded me of my Mum who always carried some in her handbag, telling me" because you never know when somebody might need a safety pin, Ang". I have a great fondness for buttons, pins, little skeins of thread and sewing notions. I have just added "sort out my haberdashery" to the 70's List!
I like that no one knows for sure where the word comes from - it's good that we don't know everything!
ReplyDeleteAlways something new to discover!
DeleteHaberdashery is a great word!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved haberdashery shops and being served by a "haberdasherer"! What a fab job title!
Two of my favourite possessions are my mum's sewing tin and my grandmother's button tin, both old biscuit tins and full of fond memories.
I remember Rosie aged 3 being very confused that Grandma's house seemed full of biscuits tins, yet none contained biscuits!
DeleteOld biscuit tins or Quality Street tins were used for all kinds of things, important letters and documents, photos, the money set aside for the gas and electric bills, electrical bits and pieces and much more. When we cleared my dad's house there were lots of them. A journey back in time!
DeleteThe new plastic tubs just aren't the same
DeleteI also have some in a box somewhere. Interesting to know the meaning in different languages.
ReplyDeleteIn France haberdashery is "mercerie" or sometimes "chemiserie", a chemise being a shirt.
DeleteI love discovering word origins, especially ones like this which seem lost in the mists of time, and those which have been adapted from other languages. Like "vindaloo" which is a corruption of the Portuguese "wine and garlic". European traders in the 16th century took their rich stew to the province of Goa, where the locals added their spices...and the rest is history, as they say
DeleteI’m going with the French version as I always have to buy haberdashery if I see it! Think your sorting will take time if it’s anything like mine! Another good item for your list. Catriona
ReplyDelete🤣🤣🤣🧵🪡🧵
DeleteHaberdashery is a great word. I love 'Emporium' too. Both invite a good rummage around to find exactly what you need.
ReplyDeleteIn Gone With The Wind, Rhett Butler wittily tells Scarlett to call her new shop "Caveat Emptorium" fully aware that she knows no Latin
DeleteI like learning about word origins. Your 70s list is coming along nicely!
ReplyDeleteI love the word haberdashery. When I was a child I thought it meant everything had to be done fast! I also like all the miscellany of items the term encompasses. I am never happier than when rootling about in a haberdashery shop or department in a store. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI'd not thought about the DASH element before...
DeleteI also love old regional shops called Emporiums. Always fun to have a look around. JennyP
ReplyDeleteI have a few safety pins in my wallet. Doesn’t everybody?
ReplyDeleteNo, many people rely on folk like you & me to provide them in emergencies!
DeleteDH uses a diaper (nappy) pin, (large and safe), to fasten his pocket where his wallet is, when he is travelling and at risk from pick pockets!
ReplyDelete🤣🤣
DeleteJust like your Mum, I always carry at least one safety pin in the pocket of my bag, along with a paperclip (Alan uses them as toothpicks), a couple of stamps and a small pack of tissues. It must be something to do with being a Girl Guide ...I'm always prepared.
ReplyDeleteA mini sewing kit is useful too (the sort you used to get in Xmas crackers)
DeleteI think a mini sewing kit in a Christmas cracker is the most useful item I've ever heard of as a filler! JanF
DeleteI lived in Paignton for a short time and immediately recognised the shop where the little pins came from, although now it's been taken over by another owner , revamped and is known as a Yarn shop rather than craft. Have you noticed how there are no longer as many Wool shops? The word Yarn has taken over.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
At least it is still a crafty shop and not a coffee shop or a vape shop! Do you think 'yarn' is used because much of the knitting material is synthetic and not proper wool?
DeleteThe nearest word in Chinese is xiaobaihuo or little things for everyday use. Literally small hundred commodities.
ReplyDeleteThank you Philip - how do we pronounce that?
Deletexiǎo = shee-ow (falling-rising tone)
Deletebǎi = bye (falling-rising tone)
huò = hwaw (falling tone)
Thank you!
DeleteI'm just like your Mum, I have safety pins, fold up scissors, a few plasters, paracetamol, hayfever tabs, immodium, tissues and wet wipes. I used to work in a Pharmacy and think that everyone expected me to have this stuff. Xx
ReplyDeleteI have reduced my 'kit' drastically of late, altho I have noticed I load up with more stuff when I am on Grandma duty
DeleteI read somewhere was from travelling pedlars, often from German speaking countries, saying 'ich habe dass'. They carried everything in their packs, sewing notions, fairings, chapbooks and all sorts of stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense
DeleteI do have a few sets of those mini safety pins that belonged to my grandma but they are not in my bag. I'll go look them out and put them somewhere more useful.
ReplyDeleteHaberdashery is a great word wherever the origins lie.
It is a wonderful word
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