| 词源 |
harp. Long synonymous with an Irishman, this derogatory expression stems from the use of the harp as the national sym- bol of Ireland. One of many legends about the word’s origin says that an early King David of Ireland took the harp of the psalmist as his badge. Another story says the Irish were so called because in days past they were often gamblers who flipped coins, calling “harp!” for tails because the shilling had a harp engraved on one side. The musical instrument called a harp takes its name from the Old English hearpe meaning the same. See also dago; kike; wasp; welsh. |