A Genetan

McCormick used this photograph - ‘A Genetan’ - to illustrate how a knowledge of cant could be used to prise information from reticent Travellers. “Have you no other word for a cuddy?” I asked (William Marshall). “Aye, a genetan (half-breed mule),” he curtly replied. “Just one moment,” I intervened, “would you call it an aizel or an oozel?” Smiling frankly he came back to my desk and said “We ca’t an oozel, but losh bless me, whaur have ye picked that up?” His fit of uneasiness had passed and for upwards of two hours he communicated to me the cant words of the tinkler-gypsies of Galloway”.
Object no :
SRPG095n
Collection :
Galloway Travellers
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
Newton Stewart area
Dimensions :
31/4" x 31/4" (82mm x 82mm)
Materials :
glass lantern slides
Location :
NA
Related site :
Mark Farm, Castle Kennedy
2 Fmedia2 F208552 F10173

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