Where one of Del Boy’s most famous Only Fools and Horses catchphrases comes from
From 'lovely jubbly' to calling Rodney a plonker, Del Boy has had us in stitches over the years - but did you know the backstory behind this one?
Del Boy’s famous catchphrases have given us many a laugh over the years.
From ‘lovely jubbly’ to calling Rodney a plonker, David Jason’s witty delivery of the one liners has had Only Fools and Horses in stitches.
But there’s one that has an interesting back story.
‘Cushty’ was regularly coined by Del Boy as something that was great – like getting a good sell.
The word actually comes from Romany Gypsy language, specifically from the Sanskrit, Hindi and Punjabi languages, originating from Northern India.
Those who speak Romany are commonly known as travellers or gypsies, Berkshire Live reports.
The unwritten language is spoken in Europe, as well as the USA, by around half a million people, in the greater population of Spain, Turkey and Romania.
We commonly use numerous words from Romany throughout the English language today.
The Roman term ‘divvy’ signifies madness, and is used as an insult in the English language, to point out a lack of intelligence in someone’s character.
Gibberish is used frequently and comes from the term ‘jib’ in Romany, meaning language or tongue.
‘Gavver’ is used to describe a police officer and means to hide in Romany.
Mullered is used to refer to a drunkard, and yet in Romany, meant to be dead or killed.
Scran is used to describe food in the North of England. Albeit Scran came from the Romany word ‘satan’ meaning to eat. Satan however has an incredibly different meaning in terms of cultural
Pal was used in Romany to refer to a brother, generated from the word ‘phral’. However, in the current English language, in the social context of today, pal is given the meaning of their mate/friend.
Wonga in Romany meant money and coal, originated from the word ‘vonga’.
Another word from Romany was ‘loli phabai’ meaning red apple, deriving from the Roma tradition to sell sugary apples on a stick. These sugary apples are still prominent in society today.
Lastly, the word ‘bar’ came from the word ‘stone’. However, ‘bar’ meant a pound note or coin, in Romany.
Romany finds a way to be passed on throughout the English language today.
Perhaps, the true origins of the unwritten language will never fade, and will continue to be spoken of in the far future.
