Expert: David Froom - 7/5/2006

Question
Hi David

My daughter is performing Gilbert & Sullivan's 'The Sorcerer' at her college this week. There is a song which describes a feast in rural England which includes a list of the foods available with the following :

"Now for the tea of our host -
Now for the rollicking bun -
Now for the muffin and toast -
Now for the gay Sally Lunn!"

The question is : what is a "rollicking bun"?

I've asked two 'experts' on the UK cookery panel, and they didn't know, so I'm going the music route!

Any ideas?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks & regards

Ian


Answer
Hi,
Sorry I haven't been in touch.  I was hoping to be able to consult the Oxford English Dictionary -- which is the most extensive dictionary available.  I haven't had a chance to do that.  It is odd that this question is so difficult to answer.

But you or your daughter could consult the Oxford English Dictionary.  Certainly her college library has it -- probably online (restricted to on-campus use).  Just look up the phrase.  If anyone has a definition, they will.

Good luck,
David Froom