Not everyone watched the domestic series about Sherlock Holmes. Therefore, some people are puzzled by the phrase that they say about a healthy lifestyle: "Oatmeal, sir!". Where does this expression come from and why is a man called sir irrespective of gender? In the film, these words are uttered by a calm butler, carefully observing the conservative traditions of Baskerville Hall. All attempts by Sir Henry to procure a piece of meat are thwarted.
When the main character is in bed due to a nervous shock over a dog that scared him, the butler’s wife stuffs him with oatmeal, like a baby. The poor man’s expression was so comical, he hates this mess so much that the expression quickly became a catch phrase.
In Moscow on Taganka there is even a pub, which is called: "Oatmeal, sir!". Where this name came from can be guessed right away. The menu includes cheese soup, traditional Irish pies and, of course, good beer. It is clear that the owners of the institution were inspired by Scottish traditions.
Is the English respected oatmeal
With the light hand of the director of a film in our country, the opinion was firmly established that in England not a day goes by without oatmeal for breakfast. The compatriots coming to visit Misty Albion joke about this: “Oatmeal, sir!” "Where did this show come from?" - in response, the British shrug.
Moreover, the expression He did his porridge 20 years, which means "he served 20 years," literally translates as "he ate porridge for 20 years." The director came up with a very subtle parody of an aristocratic breakfast, consisting of bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, pudding and tea or coffee with cream. According to his idea, Sir Henry falls from a free American life into the prison of English traditions. But the humor of Maslennikov turned out to be so subtle that the Russian audience did not notice him, taking him at face value.
Children in England, of course, are fed oatmeal. And, I must say, this does not cause them a surge of inspiration.
Oatmeal Cooking Competitions
In the English dictionary there is a funny interpretation of oats: "Horse food, which people eat in Scotland." Not so long ago, to revive national traditions in the Scottish town of Carbridge, they began to hold a championship for the best oatmeal recipe. It was here that they began to cook oats from ancient times.
Oatmeal lovers from all over the world come to the competition. Someone who brings water with them, some fruits, some mushrooms. The finished result is evaluated by professionals - cooks of prestigious restaurants in England. They study the appearance, taste it. Determine the homogeneity of the porridge.
When asked where it came from, “Oatmeal, sir,” one can answer for sure: from the famous film. But it will be quite appropriate for Carbridge.
Oatmeal Festival
In America, they also hold a holiday dedicated to oatmeal. The three-day festival in St. George (South Carolina) includes many events: porridge is boiled, absorbed at speed and wallowed in it. Its purpose is the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The event is called global and now gathers about ten thousand participants.
They do not look at cooking as strictly as in England. All types of foods containing this cereal are allowed. Even potato salad. And all kinds of cereals, pancakes, pies and casseroles simply can not be counted. This is where the phrase “Bunting, sir!” Will be appropriate.
Where this phrase comes from will not have to be explained. Our compatriots know her from the third part of the famous television series of the USSR "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Hound of the Baskervilles."
In which cases they say: "Oatmeal, sir!"
Where the expression came from is not so important. It began to live its own life. So the mother says to her child, putting a plate of porridge in front of him. So the athlete answers questions about healthy eating. So sighs on a dietary ulcer.
By the popularity of this phrase, it is clear that the humor of the director Maslennikov still resonates with the Russians. The phrase emphasizes that this is the food of aristocrats. But in Russia, oatmeal is served at the table in restaurants, and in student canteens, and in the homes of ordinary people.