Author Topic: THROWING A CURLY  (Read 444 times)

Offline toby webb

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THROWING A CURLY
« on: Thursday 06 May 21 11:56 BST (UK) »
When discussing some Australian ancestors and attempting to satisfy all aspects, the phrase  'throwing a curly' came up as being a question that is difficult to answer! Can anyone make some suggestions as to where this originated?
Thanks for any help, Toby.

Offline iluleah

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Re: THROWING A CURLY
« Reply #1 on: Thursday 06 May 21 12:14 BST (UK) »
My understanding is it comes from a sporting terminology as in 'throwing a curved ball' in cricket.... so unexpected behaviour going in another direction  or taking an unexpected action if associated with a person
Leicestershire:Chamberlain, Dakin, Wilkinson, Moss, Cook, Welland, Dobson, Roper,Palfreman, Squires, Hames, Goddard, Topliss, Twells,Bacon.
Northamps:Sykes, Harris, Rice,Knowles.
Rutland:Clements, Dalby, Osbourne, Durance, Smith,Christian, Royce, Richardson,Oakham, Dewey,Newbold,Cox,Chamberlaine,Brow, Cooper, Bloodworth,Clarke
Durham/Yorks:Woodend, Watson,Parker, Dowser
Suffolk/Norfolk:Groom, Coleman, Kemp, Barnard, Alden,Blomfield,Smith,Howes,Knight,Kett,Fryston
Lincolnshire:Clements, Woodend

Offline GR2

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Re: THROWING A CURLY
« Reply #2 on: Thursday 06 May 21 13:42 BST (UK) »
Partridge's Dictionary of slang and unconventional English says:

curly, adj. Difficult, as in "That's a curly one" - a question  hard to answer: (? mostly) Aus.: since ca. 1950. Perhaps ex googly bowling in cricket.

Offline cupoflife

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