. . . I am reminded, thanks to the inevitable replay of Jingle Bells in shopping centres that I cannot avoid, that I spent my entire childhood wondering, mystified, over what sort of contraption was so much fun to ride — you know, the one they sing (as it sounded to my ears year after year) a “one horse sloaplinslay”. I did eventually learn that the slay part was a sleigh, but never till I was an adult did I learn the truth of what a “sloaplin” or “slopeland” sleigh was. Childhood can be such a lonely experience, lost in wonderment, never quite knowing what the world was trying to say to you to make you feel happy.
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Not as bad as my confusion that the expression ‘Peace and good-will to all men’ was an archaic expression of desire for human equality, dignity and justice – even despite its patriarchal language.
WHAT?? I always thought it was a “one horse _open_ sleigh” !!
Who ever said, “sloaplin” or “slopeland” ??
Ah yes — you clearly were exposed to clearer enunciation of the words than I was.