Anne here, and for your entertainment here's a fun little quiz, all about Regency-era food and drink, and some slang expressions using them. You'll need a pen and paper to note down your answers, check them via the link at the bottom (the answers are on my website, so don't panic), then come back and tell us how you went. Above all, have fun.
1) A squab is :—
a) a sour-tempered lady
b) a bad bet
c) a young pigeon
d) an oatcake
2) A fudge is:—
a) a false rumor
b) a flattering compliment
c) a bribe
d) a newcomer
3) A bumblebroth is:—
a) a sweet made from honey
b) a long-winded sermon
c) a soup made of leftovers
d) a tangled situation
4) To be a trifle cucumberish is:—
a) to feel ill and slightly green
b) to be short of money
c) to be cold and distant
d) to be a little drunk
5) Pitch the gammon means:—
a) to lie or play a trick on someone
b) to ask for a loan
c) to pay a lavish compliment
d) to trip and almost fall
6) To eat Hull cheese means :—
a) to win on the races
b) to be drunk
c) to eat bread and dripping
d) to travel by boat
7) If you are in plump currant, you are:—
a) feeling too full
b) feeling ill
c) feeling good
d) feeling a little bit drunk
8) To call someone a mushroom means:—
a) they are a moneylender
b) they are social climbers
c) they are French
d) they have many children
9) To be swimming in lard means:—
a) to be slow and ponderous
b) to be very fat
c) to be sycophantic
d) to be very rich
10) If someone is dished up:—
a) they are broke
b) they have lost a fight
c) they have been arrested
d) they are presented at Court
11) Lobscouse is:—
a) sauce for a lobster patty
b) a man who cheats
c) a stew made of salt beef, onions and biscuits
d) a drink made of gin, brandy and a raw egg
12) To make a cake of yourself means:—
a) to dress up very fancy
b) to make a fool of yourself
c) to eat too much
d) to wear too much powder and rouge
Now you have noted down your answers, click here to check them. Then come back and tell us how you went. Did you have fun with this? Is there another topic you'd like a quiz on? Let me know.