Larking

Posted by Dave Johnson on March 06, 2010 at 15:59

Re the definition of 'Lark' [in 'lark about']. While the offers here are certainly believable (and as a Yorkshireman I can see how the pronunciation could be misunderstood), I've always assumed that lark (or indeed lake, in the Yorkshire sense) came from the scandinavian (perhaps Norwegian or Old Norse?) 'Lek' as in 'Fartlek' (no sniggering, please) meaning literally speed-play - hence lek 'to play'?

• Larking Victoria S Dennis 08/March/10