Dear Listers,
Prof. Ken Smith wrote:
>>My Shorter OED gives its born. as 'gang'. Indeed, the spelling 'gang' is
given as alternative to 'gangue'. Also gives its origin as French 'gangue'.>>
Back in the early 1950's I was fortunate to know several of the old miners in the village of Bonsall, Derbyshire where I lived who had worked the lead mines in the late 19th century. Their pronunciation of gangue depended on were they were drunk or sober on a Friday evening in the local. If sober it was 'gang' with a long 'a'. If drunk in was 'ganj' with a very long 'j'. If very drunk they simply used the word 'shit'.
Hope this helps.
Kindest regards,
Trevor.
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