Asprilla 96 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 (edited) Seems like the only widespread use of the word "canny" is in it's negative form....yet it means sort of what "canny" means anyway. Yours confused, Asprilla's foreskin Edited March 30, 2006 by Asprilla's foreskin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Canny means shrewd in the most widespread usage (from Scottish I think), don't know why it follows that uncanny means weird/mysterious though. Perhaps they are derived from different sources. I suggest you consult a good dictionary or alternatively just ask Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adios 717 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Probably something to do with knowledge? Canny - knowledgeable - clever. Uncanny - unknown - unnatural. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Probably something to do with knowledge? Canny - knowledgeable - clever. Uncanny - unknown - unnatural. 112125[/snapback] I wondered about that, not sure though tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adios 717 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 The trusty Electronic dictionary tells me they're both from the obsolete 'can', to know, originally Scottish. But what they don't tell me is how that became 'nice' up north, although I can guess, anyone know the specifics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetleftpeg 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I always assumed it was a different way of saying something was strange, either an action or the appearence of something. Like if you were to meet the brother of someone and they looked very much alike, you'd say it was 'uncanny'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 (edited) Edit: for DotBum I've got no idea tbh. It's not really as simple as that either. It has another meanings too in the N.E. too apart from 'nice'. For example, if I were to say someone/something was 'canny good' it could mean 'quite good' or 'very good' depending on the intonation. As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. Edited March 30, 2006 by alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43949 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Did it yesterday when he pm'ed me. Hope he doesn't read this and stop doing it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asprilla 96 Posted March 30, 2006 Author Share Posted March 30, 2006 Thanks for the info guys.....you're all geet canny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snakehips 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Is that really a bad thing, though??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43949 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Is that really a bad thing, though??? 112144[/snapback] Oi! I work in the 'heed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc-mag 1 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Good to see you two throwing the insults about as though you owned an acceptable haircut between you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Blonde tips is all I have to say on the matter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob W 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Canny means shrewd in the most widespread usage (from Scottish I think), don't know why it follows that uncanny means weird/mysterious though. Perhaps they are derived from different sources. I suggest you consult a good dictionary or alternatively just ask Rob 112122[/snapback] Canny comes from can [Middle English, first and third person sing. present tense of connen, to know how, from Old English cunnan.] So adding the "Un-" in this case is not a negative but an emphasis The use of canny in the sense we use it on Tyneside is derived from S Scots useage 1. Careful and shrewd, especially where one's own interests are concerned. 2. Cautious in spending money; frugal. 3. Scots. 1. Steady, restrained, and gentle. 2. Snug and quiet. can1 (kăn; kən when unstressed) pronunciation aux.v. Past tense , could (kʊd). 1. 1. Used to indicate physical or mental ability: I can carry both suitcases. Can you remember the war? 2. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege: The President can veto congressional bills. 3. Used to indicate possession of a specified capability or skill: I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it. 2. 1. Used to indicate possibility or probability: I wonder if my long lost neighbor can still be alive. Such things can and do happen. 2. Used to indicate that which is permitted, as by conscience or feelings: One can hardly blame you for being upset. 3. Used to indicate probability or possibility under the specified circumstances: They can hardly have intended to do that. 3. Usage Problem. Used to request or grant permission: Can I be excused? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob W 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] My mother always thought that was the sign of a good upbringing........................... Wor lass once came N to do some work at the metro Centre and observed to my mother that there were no signs in Newcastle for Gatehead and none in Gateshead for Newcastle "If you really need to go there you'll find a way I suppose" she was told Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I would say that was an innaccurate observation like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43949 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Good to see you two throwing the insults about as though you owned an acceptable haircut between you. 112158[/snapback] Are you gonna be allowed to come to the pub pre-match this weekend or will you be wandering around Eldon Square with the boss? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob W 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I would say that was an innaccurate observation like. 112166[/snapback] My mam was pretty solid on the virtues of staying N of the Tyne and well away from Sunderland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc-mag 1 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Good to see you two throwing the insults about as though you owned an acceptable haircut between you. 112158[/snapback] Are you gonna be allowed to come to the pub pre-match this weekend or will you be wandering around Eldon Square with the boss? 112169[/snapback] Nah she's meeting her mate so I'm off the hook. Told her how it was gonna be tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I would say that was an innaccurate observation like. 112166[/snapback] My mam was pretty solid on the virtues of staying N of the Tyne and well away from Sunderland 112179[/snapback] "Wor lass once came N to do some work at the metro Centre and observed to my mother that there were no signs in Newcastle for Gatehead and none in Gateshead for Newcastle" Not true tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordieshandy 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I'm sure Geordie Racer had its meaning down as "beautiful" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordieshandy 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] My mother always thought that was the sign of a good upbringing........................... Wor lass once came N to do some work at the metro Centre and observed to my mother that there were no signs in Newcastle for Gatehead and none in Gateshead for Newcastle "If you really need to go there you'll find a way I suppose" she was told 112165[/snapback] Complete Bollocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43949 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an aside, I love it when manc-mag incorrectly uses 'howay' as a greeting as he often does in pm's / texts. 112135[/snapback] Doesn't even know where Gateshead is tbh. 112140[/snapback] Good to see you two throwing the insults about as though you owned an acceptable haircut between you. 112158[/snapback] Are you gonna be allowed to come to the pub pre-match this weekend or will you be wandering around Eldon Square with the boss? 112169[/snapback] Nah she's meeting her mate so I'm off the hook. Told her how it was gonna be tbh. 112181[/snapback] Boolsheet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob W 0 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 (edited) I would say that was an innaccurate observation like. 112166[/snapback] My mam was pretty solid on the virtues of staying N of the Tyne and well away from Sunderland 112179[/snapback] "Wor lass once came N to do some work at the metro Centre and observed to my mother that there were no signs in Newcastle for Gatehead and none in Gateshead for Newcastle" Not true tbh. 112182[/snapback] we are talking some time ago.................... probably 20 years................. Edited March 30, 2006 by Rob W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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