Black over Bill's Mothers

[hardstaff]

Where did this phrase come from?

[apricot]

Do you mean where as in geographically or what is its origins? I've heard the expression used in Formby, Lancashire but have no idea what the origins are. Quizzy, over to you.

[coggles]

My Dad uses the expression 'It's a bit black over Will's Mum's' and he was born in London in the mid 40's.

[Cetti]

I found this answer when it was asked a couple of years ago. I know there are other similar answers but can't locate them:

question 16665

[football]

"Its black over Wills mothers" Its black with them others. About the clouds & state of the weather. Said with an accsent & in the local dialect

[Quizmonster]

It means rain is on the way. This saying seems to be more widespread around the country nowadays, but many - including Eric Partridge in his 'Dictionary of Catch Phrases' - believe it started life in the East Midlands. The best explanation I've ever heard as to its origin is the one that suggests the 'Bill', 'Will' or 'William' in the phrase refers to William (Will/Bill) Shakespeare. He was born in Stratford-on-Avon, to the west of the Midlands and - if the sky is dark and threatening over that area (ie over Bill's mother's) - it means rain is probably headed for the east of the Midlands region, because the prevailing winds are likely to push the wet weather in that direction.

[ariocarpus]

This phrase occurs in a humorous book written about 1920. I think this is the origin as Bill was one of the characters in the book. Unfortunately, none of my friends or family can remember the title. I think there is alsoa reference to Harty's pineapple. One always on show but never offered