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thimble men

Dialect
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

"Thimble men" refers to itinerant performers or street entertainers, often associated with fairs or markets, who engage in various forms of entertainment, including games and tricks.

Detailed Definition
In the context of Thomas MacDonagh's poem "John-John," "thimble men" symbolizes a transient lifestyle, representing those who entertain and amuse at fairs. The term evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the speaker reflects on the past when her husband left this life of performance to be with her. The phrase captures the essence of a community that thrives on spectacle and the fleeting nature of such experiences, contrasting sharply with the stability and routine the speaker desires.
Example
Example in poetry:
In "John-John," the line "When first you left the thimble men / And came with me away;" illustrates the moment of departure from a life of entertainment. The repeated mention of "thimble men" throughout the poem emphasizes their significance in the speaker's memories and the emotional weight of her husband's choice to abandon that world.
Additional Notes
The term "thimble men" likely derives from the practice of using thimbles in games of chance or sleight of hand, which were common at fairs. Historically, such performers were often viewed with a mix of admiration and disdain, reflecting societal attitudes towards entertainers. Related terms include "carnival performers" and "street artists," which also denote transient entertainers. When using the term, be mindful of its connotations of nostalgia and the contrast between a carefree lifestyle and the responsibilities of domestic life.
Also Known As
Thimbleriggers Swindlers Con Men Sharpers
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