I wonder if many Australians appreciate the American revolution?
for without it, we Aussies possibly would be talking French
(not a bad thing) or, maybe we wouldn't be here at all.
We share a strange kinship with our American cousins.
Prior to Australia being the dumping ground for convicts,
America was the preferred site. Without independence,
the regime would certainly have continued and the course of history
for Australia may have been forever altered.
In 1700 the population of the American colonies was 200,000; in 1770 it had risen to over 2,000,000. Recent immigration had consisted of German and French Protestants, of Irish peasants and Scottish crofters, of whores and felons and bankrupts from London.
There could be no loyalty among these immigrants, nor was it to be
expected among the American born. Usually their ancestors had left England in resentment and frequently their ambition had been frustrated by the economically inadequate mercantilist system. There was no comprehension of the great difficulties facing England; Americans were concerned with immediate issues and economic
advantages.
The mercantilist system had not worked for a generation, if it had ever worked at all. It was avoided by smuggling, by illicit trade with France and Spain, and several American fortunes had been made by trading with France during the Seven Years War.
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"Cocking the Snook" by the declaration signatory John Hancock
To "cock a snook" at someone is a bit more elaborate than simply
thumbing one's nose. To "cock a snook" is a classic display of
derision, properly performed by spreading the fingers of one hand,
touching the tip of your nose with your thumb while sighting your
opponent along the tips of your other fingers (what the British
sometimes call a "Queen Anne's Fan," but what we more commonly
call a "five-finger salute"), and waggling your fingers in the most
annoying way possible. As a gesture, it doesn't really mean anything,
but it does convey utter contempt rather well. Like all fine insulting gestures, cocking a snook always goes well with a Bronx Cheer, or raspberry, as an accompaniment. Crossing your eyes while doing all this is optional but definitely enhances the overall effect. And remember, kids, practice makes perfect.
While the phrase "thumb one's nose" first appeared in English around
1903, "cocking a snook" is much older, first appearing in print back
in 1791. The verb "to cock" comes from strutting behavior of male
chickens, and means, as the Oxford English Dictionary puts it, "to
turn up in an assertive, pretentious, jaunty, saucy, or defiant way."
The "snook" is of uncertain origin, but may be related to "snout,"
which would certainly make sense.
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John Hancock, who signed the Declaration of Independence in large
bold letters, so that the King of England might read it without spectacles, had five hundred indictments for smuggling outstanding against him in the courts on the day of his signature.
Posted 03/09/2012 08:36 am
