Phrase re relationships from Gran, b. 1900 of English (Devon) extraction by her immigrant mother

[pronker]

Gran's father was also of English extraction via his immigrant parents, but I don't know from where in the UK.

"Do you want a street devil and a house angel, or vice versa?" meaning, "Is he nice to you in front of others but belittle you when you're alone, or does he rag on you in front of others but treat you well when it's just you and him?" regarding husbands.

Gran asked this occasionally when family women got together to discuss life, and I wonder if anyone else were familiar with the question.

Comments

[bluewolf458]

Speaking as a Scot, no. But it's amazing how many very local phrases there are in the UK. Go a few miles down the road and a phrase you're totally familiar with leaves the people there going "Duh?"

[pronker]

Glad to hear the diversity in language hasn't faded; my degree is in linguistics. :) One by one, Gran's turn of phrase delights me when I think of them and I'm writing them down as they arise from dim memory.