| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Mouse, Mousie, | | |
|
terms of endearment. Other terms of endearment from animals are, bird or birdie (as “My bonnie bird”); puss, pussy; lamb, lambkin; “You little monkey” is an endearing reproof to a child. Dog and pig are used in a bad sense, as “You dirty dog;” “You filthy pig.” Brave as a lion, surly as a bear, crafty as a fox, proud as a peacock, fleet as a hare, and several phrases of a like character are in common use. | 1 |
| |
| “God bless you, mouse, the bridegroom said, |
| And smakt her on the lips.” | |
|
| |
Warner: Alb. Eng., p. 17. |
|
| |
|
|
