Withnail and I's oomska
October 8, 2009 6:38 AM Subscribe
Uncle Monty's dirty word: what does 'oomska' mean?
In the classic movie 'Withnail and I', Uncle Monty asks Withnail and Marwood: "You mean you've been up here in all this beastly mud and oomska without wellingtons?"
From the context, it would appear that 'oomska' is a noun referring to dirt, mud or some such icky substance, but does anyone know its derivation?
It may not even be spelled 'oomska' - could be 'umschau' or maybe 'umska'?
Definitive answers gratefully received!
In the classic movie 'Withnail and I', Uncle Monty asks Withnail and Marwood: "You mean you've been up here in all this beastly mud and oomska without wellingtons?"
From the context, it would appear that 'oomska' is a noun referring to dirt, mud or some such icky substance, but does anyone know its derivation?
It may not even be spelled 'oomska' - could be 'umschau' or maybe 'umska'?
Definitive answers gratefully received!
Best answer: Apparently it's from polari, which would fit with Uncle Monty's character, and means "filth", "muck" etc.
posted by Abiezer at 6:55 AM on October 8, 2009
posted by Abiezer at 6:55 AM on October 8, 2009
Response by poster: A polari source would certainly make sense, given Monty's lifestyle, however I can only find one reference linking Polari and oomska online.
Given that Polari words often come from re-arranging standards words (e.g. 'riah' for 'hair'), perhaps 'umsca' is a corruption of 'scum'.
Does Monty use any other Polari words or phrases in the film?
posted by Blackwatch at 7:14 AM on October 8, 2009
Given that Polari words often come from re-arranging standards words (e.g. 'riah' for 'hair'), perhaps 'umsca' is a corruption of 'scum'.
Does Monty use any other Polari words or phrases in the film?
posted by Blackwatch at 7:14 AM on October 8, 2009
Had similar problems tracking it down in any polari lexicon - there is this post on a Straight Dope thread where they note other polari-isms from Monty.
posted by Abiezer at 7:29 AM on October 8, 2009
posted by Abiezer at 7:29 AM on October 8, 2009
Except he says that Monty doesn't do that. heh. Googling too hard here.
posted by Abiezer at 7:31 AM on October 8, 2009
posted by Abiezer at 7:31 AM on October 8, 2009
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'You mean you've been up here in all this beastly mud and oomska without wellingtons? This afternoon I'll take you both into Penrith and get you fitted with some good quality rubber boots.'
Sounds like Shit.
posted by parmanparman at 6:54 AM on October 8, 2009