Flannel

Posted by Gary Martin on January 02, 2008

In Reply to: Flannel posted by Elizabeth on January 02, 2008

: I was brought up in the West Riding of Yorkshire & it was common for us to use the expression, "Don't give me that flannel", meaning 'don't talk rubbish'/'don't fib to me'. Does anyone know where the expression originates please?

I've heard that in other parts of England too. In the West Midlands, flannel didn't mean rubbish exactly, there was an implication of deliberate deceit - somewhat like pulling the wool over someone's eyes.

• Flannel Victoria S Dennis 03/January/08