Regency Reader Questions: Cawker

Question: Have you ever investigated the term “cawker ” – I believe I read it in Heyer though I don’t remember where. One of her many fun insults that young men toss at one another. I would really like to know if it was actually in use.

This one comes from author June Calvin.  Thank you, June, and thanks for being a Regency Reader!

Cawker is such a great expression, thanks for the opportunity to investigate so we can include in the Regency Cant database.
The Etonian. (1820). United Kingdom: (n.p.).

Jamieson, J. (1818). An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language: In which the Words are Explained in Their Different Senses, Authorized by the Names of the Writers by Whom They are Used, Or the Titles of the Works in which They Occur, and Deduced from Their Originals. United Kingdom: A. Constable, and A. Jameson.

Brockett, J. T. (1829). A Glossary of North Country Words, in Use: With Their Etymology, and Affinity to Other Languages ; and Occasional Notices of Local Customs and Popular Superstitions–. United Kingdom: E. Charnley.

Looking at Google Ngram, peak usage happened in the 1820s.  Most references have it as a northern or Scottish expression for either hind horse shoe that has been sharpened or a glass of spirits.  Heyer uses it in several of her books, almost as an affectionate “dunce” or “dummy” type expression.  As we see from the Etonian, there seemed to be some use of the word as someone who gapes, so again another version of dunce or idiot.

It wasn’t in any of the cant dictionaries from the era, so it seems like maybe this was a less popular expression, but I still think it was in use.

Hope that helps!

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