Conjecture here, but I think that "ruddy" is related to what in the US we call 'red-neck," of which is a person who is in the sun too much, implying a blue collared worker, and tending toward drink and a flush to the face, and all of the free flowing communication that can come with that.
It could also be a polite substitute for "bloody" as was shared, just as here people have taken to using "frickin" and versions of that, as a substitution for what is considered the most egregious four letter of word of all. I was taken aback at the Harry Potter movies and the "swear" words used, though I have British ancestry so was aware of what they implied. I think swear words are much more common everywhere, and being of a middle age, and having previously been proper most of my life, have taken to using a word or two, as saying, "I am very upset" doesn't quite measure to a well chosen expletive or two, that conveys it succinctly. I think that some of the rules have more to do with man's laws and fear, than Divine Laws. <smile> Best, Susan Reishus --------------------------------- Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
