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I think les40 lives somewhere near Bamber Bridge. Haven't heard from him for a while; I think he snowboards.

.......btw I didn't realise that Manchester had claimed Bolton!

Yes, Chris, Bolton is now part of 'Greater Manchester' officially - not a lot of folk take any notice but still refer to Bolton, Lancs.

The word "bampot" is used throughout Scotland.
We have more than enough up here!

I must live a sheltered life...never heard of either 'bampots' or barmpots'! I've heard of barm CAKES though!

why is the froth on top of fermenting ale called barmpots?

...and why are idiots likened to the froth on top of fermenting ale?

Maybe froth on top (in the head) instead of brains????
but never heard of that expression either - even tho I come from Lancashire!

Bolton born and bred - still here.


Sorry,

Barm (Bam in Scots) is the froth or residue from beer brewing - was used to make Barm Cakes.

bampot n. a crazy person; a fool or dolt. Etymological Note: Most likely a form of barmpot. According to OED, barm, “the froth that forms on top of fermenting malt liquors; the head of a beer,” is used attributively as a formative to indicate a crazy or feeble-minded person or idea. This is, obviously, related to barmy or balmy ‘crazy.’