Do you remember my friend the author Robert Macfarlane? I wrote to him a couple of years ago and he replied with the most splendid letter.
Well he has a new book, 'Landmarks', and of course Gail and I have been reading it.
It is all about "the power of language to shape our sense of place". At the end of each chapter is a glossary of lost or nearly lost words from around the UK.
Some of them relate to walking and Gail points out they are useful for dogs too. Which of these, I wonder, best describes how you or your human approaches your daily perambulation?
Scrimander (Yorkshire): to wander about, to take a devious or winding course
Spangin' (Scots): walking vigorously
Striddle (N. Ireland): to walk uncomfortably, with an unusual gait
Crabbsganach (Gaelic): awkward on one's feet, owing to their being sore
Flinks (Shetland): to ramble in a rompish manner, as a frolicsome girl might
Stravaig (Scots):to wander aimlessly, unguided by outcome or destination
Nuddle (Suffolk): to walk in a dreamy manner, with head down as if preoccupied.
Whichever fits you, please, pups and humans alike, when you return to the house, please do always remember not to spandle!*.
*Spandle (Kent): to leave marks of wet feet or shoes on a floor, as a dog does with its paw prints.
