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Discussion Groups / British English / December 2007Gem
I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: Many newsagents in Ireland (and Wales, so far as I can see) are called "the Gem". I am wondering why that is, what it the origin of the word, and its meaning? I hope someone here can enlighten me. TIA Cat(h) > I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Cat(h) Never heard of it. >I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >I hope someone here can enlighten me. >TIA It is possible that they are all part of a company called Gem.  SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in uk.culture.language.english) >> I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >> > It is possible that they are all part of a company called Gem. "The Gem", peut-être? SignatureJohn Briggs >>> I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: >>> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > >"The Gem", peut-?e? Possibly. I was pulled off track by discovering an entry in the Belfast Gazette dated 28 September 2007: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article 603 (3) of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, that at the expiration of 3 months from the date of this notice the names of the undermentioned companies will, unless cause is shown to the contrary, be struck-off the register and the companies will be dissolved. .... Gem Newsagents Limited .... SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in uk.culture.language.english) > I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: > > Many newsagents in Ireland (and Wales, so far as I can see) are called > "the Gem". I am wondering why that is, what it the origin of the > word, and its meaning? It seems to be mostly in Ireland. It doesn't seem to be a chain, as such. Perhaps it is a franchise operation, or (more likely) some sort of co-operative operation, like Spar? Presumably they are tied to a particular wholesaler. Maybe it is something which was popular in the past but which has largely gone out of fashion in Britain? (Like Spar, for example. I read somewhere that the Irish still smoke Craven 'A', but I am assured that this is not the case...) SignatureJohn Briggs > > I hope this is the right place to be asking this question: > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > -- > John Briggs Most chains or franchises tend to be commonly branded, with readily identifyable graphics. Not so "The Gem" newsagents. They tend to be small old little shops which have been there forever. Some of them are called The Gem, but also have a symbol livery (Mace, Londis, Gala, Spar etc.) Thanks for everyone's efforts, but I am not sure my question is answered yet. Cat(h) |
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