God bless the Duke of Argyll

English

Etymology

A reference to parasites or cutaneous affections that might induce a shrugging reaction. Associated with an apocryphal tale that the Duke erected posts on his land that people found it convenient to rub against.

Interjection

God bless the Duke of Argyll

1. (Scotland) Said in response to a person shrugging their shoulders.

Alternative forms

• God bless the Duke of Argyle

See also

• bless you
• Scotch fiddle

References

• John Camden Hotten (1873) The Slang Dictionary