Posted by Ed Kiser on September 21, 2012 at 07:39:54 user Kisered.
In Reply to: Jibbooms and bobstays posted by Rob Boden on September 18, 2012 at 09:44:25:
The "conger" is a large eel, up to 3M(10 Feet) in length.
It has been seen in the Mediteranean Sea and on both the
European and North American coast lines.
Although Nancy used "conger" mainly in the SW as related
to their new friends who call themselves "Eels" Nancy
also used the word one time in PM in referring to the
heart of the GA, as well as referring the GA's eyes
as being "codfish eyes."
In SW, she also used "congers" along with "Lampreys"
as well as "Suffering Lampreys" several times.
Wonder where the "barbecued billygoats" came from, or is
that just "Nancy."
It seems to me that the origin of Nancy pirate-related
expressions seem to originate with "Treasure Island" (TI)
but she does not make use of the "Arggg" that was rather
frequently expressed in the movie version of that story.
Also not used is the term, "Matey" frequently used in TI.
To me, one of the more humerous uses of her Piratical
expressions was in WH, when Nancy, confined to her bedroom,
was signalling to the others in the garden, and she sent
"SMT" which seemed to puzzle the others, but Titty came
up with "Shiver My Timbers" as being the meaning.
Here is the collection of "finds" when searching for
"CONGER" (either upper or lower case.)
---------- PMCH4.TXT
What her codfish eyes don't see her conger heart can't grieve over.
---------- SWCH12.TXT
"Great Congers!" said Nancy gleefully to herself.
---------- SWCH15.TXT
"Great Congers!" said Nancy, looking back at that
"But what was it you said? Something about congers?"
"Great Congers and Lampreys," burst out Nancy. "We
---------- SWCH19.TXT
"Congers and Lampreys," said Nancy, and gave Susan a
---------- SWCH20.TXT
Great Wriggling Congers, Titty! Look out how you're steering.
---------- SWCH22.TXT
mapping. "Barbecued Billygoats... I mean great Congers...
---------- SWCH23.TXT
"The Congers are coming, Hurrah! Hurrah!...
"Great Congers!" said Nancy. "We can't have him. Just
---------- SWCH28.TXT
right, by shouting "Congers!" Susan, with two savages
"Not even congers could keep it up for ever."