Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 October 1895 — An Expressive Word’s Origin. [ARTICLE]

An Expressive Word’s Origin.

It Is curious that the word “blackguard” came into the language just about the time when coal came into domestic use. In the sixteenth century colliers were far from popular, and In great houses the unllveried menials employed to carry coals to the fires were called “blackguards.” Putting two and two together, as it were, tbe “blackguard” soon became a term of reproach. The reason why colliers were disliked was that coals were for a long time popularlysupposed by the ignorant masses to bo unwholesome. Thus a man who would carry coals was easily judged capable of any indignity. The “knavery of the colliers” of Newcastle is referred to by Decke—l6o7 —and contemporary and earlier writers have also sneering or depredatory references.