[net.nlang] potato

dick (12/06/82)

The term "spud" for potato comes from the acronym of an
English group "Society for the Prevention of Unwholesome
Diet", organized by  wheat growers in the 17th century
who feared competion from this nasty Spanish import.

Dick Mack  {ittvax or decvax or harpo!bunker!dick}
 

rhm (12/07/82)

A reference to the acronymic derivation of "spud" would be
appreciated.  All of my dictionaries either give some other
derivation or claim the derivation as "obscure".
American Heritage the former; OED the latter.

dick (12/07/82)

The reference for the acronymic derivation of the term "spud"
comes from the Oct. '82 issue of "Down East: the magazine of Maine"
Vol. XXIX, No. 3, pub. by Down East Enterprises, Inc., Roxmont Rt 1,
Rockport, Maine. Mail addr. P.O.Box 679, Camden, Maine.

The article is called "Down East Cookery: Consider the Potato"
by Tracy Lord. The author lists no further references.