Posted by David Bamford on October 23, 2006 at 20:41:36 from 220.253.1.101 user David.
In Reply to: Re: All Things Ransome - out of date images posted by Andy Clayton on October 23, 2006 at 17:44:18:
I have often used this pronunciation instead of the correct "chimneys". I have a feeling that [as far as literature is concerned] it might have originated in "Mary Poppins", being used by her friend the chimney-sweep. Author Travers may have heard it used among working Londoners, and included it for 'colour'.
David.