Auld Crabbits

[Joshua]

Curmudgeons Unite!

[Cowher]

Cajunscot I'm glad you posted.ith: I didn't know who started the phrase and seeing that you are the one who started the group your just the one to explain the meaning to me.

I never heard the phrase Auld Crabbit. I knew Auld = old but had to look up crabbit to be sure. So Auld Crabbit is a " tounge in cheek" phrase. Did it spring from those (of non-traditional views) mocking the traditionalist?

I ask because it's a phrase that has bothered me. If I never asked it would continue to bug me. I look to learn.

[James Hood]

Rule #2 to the children, reinforced endlessly:

"Life is much too serious to take seriously."

And that goes to the fourth exponent concerning political correctness.

[kiltedwolfman]

There have been the rare time where the "Auld Crabbit" has been used in a rather condescending manner. In much the same way a skilled mechanic might speak to a backyard mechanic, saying something like " Well you can do this repair yourself or let a pro do it. But what do I know I'm just a mechanic!?"
Used this way it indicates that the person knows much more than the backyard mechanic and is showing so but giving his advice then offhandedly tossing out his status as a proffesional.
Once and a while during a thread someone has offered lengthy words on how they're oppinion is the right and true oppinion ( or something to that effect ) and then tried to "dumb it down" by saying " but I'm just an Auld Crabbit". People reading the thread know that the author is coming from a level of authority ( warrented or supposed is another matter ) and it's obvious that the advice, critique, or what have you is meant in all seriousness. When the author ends with " But I'm just and Auld Crabbit" They are implying that they are in the know and their words should be taken with utmost seriousness.

Now of course there are times and I think it is most of the time that the title is tossed out there just in fun. I am simply pointing out that every once and a while it is not and maybe that is where the OP is coming from.

[Cowher]

There have been the rare time where the "Auld Crabbit" has been used in a rather condescending manner. In much the same way a skilled mechanic might speak to a backyard mechanic, saying something like " Well you can do this repair yourself or let a pro do it. But what do I know I'm just a mechanic!?"
Used this way it indicates that the person knows much more than the backyard mechanic and is showing so but giving his advice then offhandedly tossing out his status as a proffesional.
Once and a while during a thread someone has offered lengthy words on how they're oppinion is the right and true oppinion ( or something to that effect ) and then tried to "dumb it down" by saying " but I'm just an Auld Crabbit". People reading the thread know that the author is coming from a level of authority ( warrented or supposed is another matter ) and it's obvious that the advice, critique, or what have you is meant in all seriousness. When the author ends with " But I'm just and Auld Crabbit" They are implying that they are in the know and their words should be taken with utmost seriousness.

Now of course there are times and I think it is most of the time that the title is tossed out there just in fun. I am simply pointing out that every once and a while it is not and maybe that is where the OP is coming from.

This is exactly what I was looking for!!!
Ok it makes more sence to me now. Let me repeat it to make sure I hit it.

A trusted mechanic tell his client "my opinion is your cv joint is about to give out. That's why it's knocking "
The client says " I had a car before that made the same noise. I think it's the motor mount"
The mechanic in frustration says "your right. What do I know? I'm just a idiot with a wrench." knowing full well he is a serious mechanic and his comment should be taken as sarcasm.

[DWFII]

They are implying that they are in the know and their words should be taken with utmost seriousness.

No offense to you personally...using the word "you" rhetorically...

How do you know what they are saying or implying? Did you ask?

The whole concept of something being implied suggests that you're inferring, or assuming, or interpreting. Any or all of those reveals more about you and your preconceived ideas than it does about what the author is saying.

On some things, some issues, privileged perspective lends an authority that can only be second guessed--Asimov's "ignorance" vs. "knowledge" conundrum. On other issues, a well respected, historically accepted external authority...like a dictionary...if second guessed, only leaves the guesser looking like they have yet to get very far out of adolescence.

I've seen discussions in this very forum where people who knew nothing about history tried to tell bona fide historians that they were wrong about whether kilts were worn/known before 16th century...or some such.

On other things...a great many things that skirt the edges of being OT on this forum--such as speculation or philosophy...no one but those who are offended by such talk take it seriously. This isn't the Rocket Science Forum or the We'll Save the World Forum. It's just conversation...much like we all did in college many years ago...when we all sat around in the local off-campus pub and talked religion or politics or other world-shaking matters. Determined to solve the problems that for centuries, have eluded the wisest among us...all in one night of "bousing at the nappy."

That said, people who can demonstrate that they have thought the issues through, might have an advantage.

Here's a essay that will undoubtedly offend a huge number of people (probably not like using racial epithets, however)...but there may be a bit of truth as well. Pay particular attention (if nothing else) to the bullet points under "The Script" and the summary paragraph just below.

How all this relates to kilts or even to Auld Crabbits, I have no idea. I don't even know how the O(riginal P(ost) relates to kilts but obviously the mods think it does.

[macwilkin]

No offense meant gents, but you're reading far too much into this. It was meant, as I said earlier, as a bit of fun...a witty title with a flair towards Scots dialect and colloquialism instead of the more straight forward and boring "kilted traditionalists". Again, I respect others opinions, but there's quite a bit of speculation here that really did't figure into it at all.

Look at our avatar -- Hector MacDonald of "Monarch of the Glen".

But what do I know? I'm only the guy that started the group.

T.

[MacLowlife]

I think the OP had a valid point, based on his notion of what an Auld Crabbit might be. I do believe that most pejorative ethnic terms are an order of magnitude beyond "Auld Crabbit" but then one man's term of endearment is another man's insult, as the OP observed.

And, of course,Political Correctness does not extend to all groups. I believe I am a member of four or five categories that are still ridiculed throughout popular culture. So be it. One of those groups is People Who Are Actually In Charge.


Thanks, DWF, for the link.

[Downunder Kilt]

Cajunscot, you started a group for like minded members, you named it as you saw fit, people have joined the group knowing the name of it, and I suspect, thinking the title was a nice bit of fun. (I think the group name is great and as you said it goes so well with the avatar)

I am a grumpy old man and thought it was great when the BBC brought out the series Grumpy Old Men. I think some people see a label and and immediately take offence to it. without seeing a possible fun side to it.

People it's good to have a giggle at yourself sometimes

[DWFII]

No offense meant gents, but you're reading far too much into this. It was meant, as I said earlier, as a bit of fun...a witty title with a flair towards Scots dialect and colloquialism instead of the more straight forward and boring "kilted traditionalists". Again, I respect others opinions, but there's quite a bit of speculation here that really did't figure into it at all.

Look at our avatar -- Hector MacDonald of "Monarch of the Glen".

But what do I know? I'm only the guy that started the group.

T.

No worries, Todd. I don't take it that seriously. That said, I find myself strangely proud to be an Auld Crabbit and since I am the only one using it in my signature (that I know of) strangely compelled to defend the notion.

But what do I know? I'm a dinosaur...

Next topic in the Traditional Highland Dress sub-forum-- "Dinosaurs of the K-T Boundary."