Re: Happy as a clam

[Graham Small <grahams@LIBDOC.DEMON.CO.UK>]

Dear Group,

If you recall I recently posted an appeal for a closer understanding of the
language we use as a means of improving understanding. Given the present
thread debating the origin of the phrase 'Happy as a clam', I felt I had to
point out that the phrase is actually a corrupted version of the Welsh
phrase 'Api add a llam' (pronounced 'appy ath a thlam'). According to the
OED, the phrase was first recorded in English in the writings of Geoffrey of
Monmouth, although it is believed to have first been coined by the Welsh
poet Taliessin. It is known to have been used in the Mabinogion.

The exact translation of the phrase into English is unclear, but is believed
to be equivalent  to 'Happy (joyous ?) as a clam ', a clam being a small
aquatic bi-valve mollusc. The meaning of this phrase is not known.

Graham Small
The Library Doctor
UK

grahams@libdoc.demon.co.uk
www.libdoc.demon.co.uk

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