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scribbler
DCHP-2 (Jan 2013)
n. — Maritimes, often Education
a notebook.
Type: 1. Origin — Scribbler has a Canadian dimension by virtue of frequency (see Chart 1). It is the majority term for a notebook in the Maritimes and has limited frequency (in the 20-percent range) in the Prairie provinces (Boberg 2005: 44). Notebook is the most common term in the US, and also in Ontario and BC. The term shows considerable regional variation within Canada, yielding five major isoglosses in one study (Boberg 2005: 41). OED-3 lists the term as "Chiefly N. Amer.", yet its oldest quotation (1906) is from BC (see in this context the antedatings from the 1890s below).
Scribbler is not listed in the American dictionaries DARE, DAE or DA, nor in the British EDD, which adds a historical Canadian dimension to the term. Four of six OED-3 quotations (as of Jan. 2016) have a Canadian context, while one is Irish (James Joyce). An Irish connection is possible, yet until Irish antedatings of the term are found it should be considered Canadian in origin, although further research may shift the assessment from Origin to a Preservation (from Irish English).
See also COD-2, s.v. "scribbler" (2), which is marked "Cdn", Gage-5, s.v. "scribbler" (2), which is marked "Cdn", DNE, s.v. "scribbler". Not listed in EDD.
Scribbler is not listed in the American dictionaries DARE, DAE or DA, nor in the British EDD, which adds a historical Canadian dimension to the term. Four of six OED-3 quotations (as of Jan. 2016) have a Canadian context, while one is Irish (James Joyce). An Irish connection is possible, yet until Irish antedatings of the term are found it should be considered Canadian in origin, although further research may shift the assessment from Origin to a Preservation (from Irish English).
See also COD-2, s.v. "scribbler" (2), which is marked "Cdn", Gage-5, s.v. "scribbler" (2), which is marked "Cdn", DNE, s.v. "scribbler". Not listed in EDD.
Quotations
1890
Have you seen the CLIMAX SCRIBBLER? [advertisement]
1893
First you will find it a great help to learn the component parts that go to make up a plant in toto, as suggested to the ordinary mind, viz. : Root, stem, branches, leaves, flowers, together with their technical terms as used by the botanist, dividing your work up in like manner, using an ordinary scribbler for rough sketches and notes.
1895
Buntin, Gillies & Co., Hamilton, Ont. are making a big push for business in school supplies. Their new scribbler covers are beauties, and the quality of stock is first-class. The dealer who has these on his counter when school opens will stand well with the pupils.
1899
Or he may turn up the page in the arithmetic, which gives the information; or to the back cover of the school scribbler, which very frequently to the great detriment of clear thinking, contains the looked for information; or he may ask the boy in the next seat - anything to avoid thought.
1910
School Supplies
Get your school supplies early. This will save time and prevent disappointment that comes with the rush later on. All these now in stock.
200-page scribblers[...] 3 for 5c.
1929
This is the time I garner up ideas for next year's giving. One often hears it said, "I was hoping some one would give me so-and-so for Christmas." Down goes the suggestion in the scribbler kept for the purpose opposite the name of the person whose wish was unsatisfied.
1950
Names written in an ordinary public school scribbler contain the story of much of Ontario's mining wealth.
The book is on display at the Prespectors' and Developers' Association convention.
1966
Along these roadsides in late afternoon, schoolboys sit in the sand with scribblers doing homework in the open because there is not enough space or light in the homes.
1983
Mr. Robinson's group raised money from local businessmen and the Rotary Club, bought supplies - "things like scribblers and pencils, really the basics" - and handed them out before school started Tuesday.
2000
Back-to-school no longer simple: Coloured pencils, scribblers and rulers have been replaced by cell phones and computers.
2009
The students wrote in scribblers using straight-nib pens dipped in ink and tried out the slate board.... Most thought handwriting with ink pens was easier than ballpoints, except for three left-handed kids who found the ink made a mess of their scribblers and got all over their hands.
References
- Boberg (2005)
- OED-3
- COD-2
- Gage-5
- DARE
- DAE
- DA
- EDD
- DNE
Images
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 4 Feb. 2016
Chart 2: Regional Domain Search, 11 Aug. 2016
