another language question

[clarabelle]

Hi
I am from the Southern US- but I really enjoy reading British Mysteries.
What is an overall? Here (USA) it is a denim garment worn mostly by farmers -pants with a bib. But it is something different in the UK right?
Thanks!

 

[Hilary]

Hi

'Overall' usually means a loose coat-type garment worn over ordinary clothes to protect them. You might wear an overall to work in a shop or to do housework (I wouldn't know about this one ).

But I think it could also mean an all-in-one trousers and shirt garment worn mainly by people in 'dirty' jobs, such as car mechanics, farm hands, etc.

Any more suggestions?

 

[clarabelle]

Hilary,
I thought it was something like that.
We call the all in one thing that mechanics use a coverall I think.
Thanks!

 

[BONZO]

This is an example of our "overalls"

The garment with a Bib is known as "Bib and braces" here like this

 

[WDWfan uk]

We call the denim garment that you are descibing 'dungarees'.

I'm with Hilary on the overall - something that completely covers what you are wearing - like a car mechanic might wear.

 

[WDWfan uk]

... just another thought! Anyone remember Mrs Overall from "Acorn Antiques" ?

Sorry Clarabelle - although you wouldn't know this as it was on a UK TV programme, you might know the actress! It was Julie Walters who as well as serious parts such as in Billy Elliott, is a great comedienne, and played a very doddery waitress called Mrs Overall!

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks guys for all your responses- and the pics!
In particular right now I am reading an Agatha Christie book where she describes a waitress wearing a pink overall- but I have ran across the term before and had always wondered.

 

[Hilary]

LOL! I can't see an Agatha Christie waitress in a pink all-in-one kind of overall!

I'm sure, in that instance, it would be the kind that's more like a house-coat.

 

[clarabelle]

Since your all being so nice ...
I have another question. Treacle? Its like molasses? Do you eat it that much or is that just in Harry Potter?
Thanks!

 

[BONZO]

Treacle?

AKA Golden Syrup - was very popular when I was lad - lashings of it on suet puddings, spotted dick etc

Technically it's partially inverted sugar syrup and flavourings

 

[BONZO]

The waitresses in Agatha Christies time looked like this: -

This is a Lyon's "nippy".

 

[BONZO]

The waitresses in Agatha Christies time looked like this: -

This is a Lyon's "nippy".

 

[clarabelle]

Nice Hat!
Bonzo what is Lyons? A brand of tea?

 

[BONZO]

Yes,

Lyons imported Tea and had famous Lyon's Corner houses - Click here for info.

 

[Hilary]

I remember going to the Lyons Corner House near Charing Cross station with my Mum when we took our trips up to 'town'. It was quite a treat.

Mrs Overall - an absolute star and a real favourite in this house, Shirley!

 

[WDWfan uk]

No we don't ever eat treacle as it is!! It is occasionally used in recipes such as old fashioned or heavy puddings.

I think the reference in Harry Potter is to treacle tarts? Treacle tart - check this link out for a recipe :-

http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/9412/treacle_tart.html

 

[UKDEB]

You're right, clarabelle. Treacle is a sticky black sugar syrup like molasses. In fact, I'm pretty certain they're the same thing. Tate & Lyle (huge sugar refining company over here) still makes it along with golden syrup - golden in colour (not just a clever name ) and without the bitterness of treacle.

My Gran used to make the most heavenly "treacle" tarts and "treacle" puddings, both with golden syrup rather than black treacle.

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
If you ever have an questions about this side of the pond let me know!