There is also the expression "quite a
plum" (used especially about jobs, but probably regarding any
boon); most likely this expression also derives from the nursery
rhyme, though some research might show other possibilities. I
wonder if the "plum" in Don's reply below refers to the carpentry
term plumb (meaning, I think, perfectly vertical); my little bit
of research just now suggests that "plumb good" etc. derive from
this spelling, at the least (there is also "plumb out of X [e.g.,
their minds]").
Steve Blackwell
On 4/16/2014 8:51 PM, Don Johnson wrote:
Susan’s answer re Jansy’s query is certainly on
target. I would add that “plum” as in “plum good” or
“plum smart” was quite
common in my semi-ruralIndiana childhood---possibly
echoing its use in the old English childrens’ rhyme. Don
Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 5:30 AM
Subject: [NABOKV-L] QUERY: Plums and
Easter eggs
In response to Jansy's
inquiry, I assume that Nabokov has in mind the English
nursery rhyme
"Little
Jack Horner," in which the title character pulls
out a hidden plum from a pie and then congratulates
himself.
:) SES
-
Susan Elizabeth
Sweeney
Co-Editor, NABOKV-L