Dear Friends, Many thanks for your fascinating replies. They were as I expected. I do recall hearing "dibs" before but probably only in UK TV series where it could be readily understood - never in Australian dialect.
Had also never heard the form "bagsy". NOw I've just been talking with a cousin who wants me to ask all you knowledgeable folk whether anyone uses the word "gammon". It's not used down here in Victoria, Australia. However, in Queensland and the Northern Territory it has remained popular for generations. It really means "untrue!" "lies!" or even bull-s**t Thought provoking David in Ballarat To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]