having a 'nanny rooney'

[joannie10]

this could be a Scottish or even Glaswegian saying - eg 'he was having a nanny rooney', would be used it a person was going mad, shouting etc. Does anyone know where this saying comes from? thanks

[Quizmonster]

I suspect it might be "an Annie Rooney" rather than "a nanny rooney". There was a 1925 film called Little Annie Rooney and the girl of that name apparently had a bit of a temper. There is also a Robert Service poem about a lady of that name with the same characteristic. Clearly it's an Irish name and they are sometimes credited with fiery tempers. As for Glasgow, there is, of course, a strong Irish/Glasgow link.
That may possibly be the connection, though I am not swearing to it!

[joannie10]

thanks - that sounds good to me!! Certainly now feel it is 'an Annie Rooney ' rather than 'a Nannie Rooney'!

[margaretrae]

Joannie you were right first time. It is to have a Nanny Rooney. I often had one when I was young. A child's Tantrum or someone losing their head over things. Don't know where it came from but it was a popular saying in the West of Scotland when I was growing up in the 4o's and 50's and still was when we left Scotland in 2003. I still use it to my grandchildren.

[Quizmonster]

Margaret, the film and poem I referred to earlier long predated the 40s/50s of your childhood, so there is no earthly reason why your phrase could not have been based on either or both of those.
Besides, did you ever see it written down during your childhood or did you only hear it? I suspect the latter. The point is that "a nanny Rooney" and "an Annie Rooney" sound identical.
If you can guide us to some written material dating back those 50/60 years that supports the 'nanny' version, I'd be glad to see it. I've suggested relevant sources that might support the 'Annie' version. Cheers

[geo0939]

I would say your reading of Annie Rooney is correct QM. I also heard it in the SW of Scotland in the forties. It was a regular expression of my mother's, who was born in 1911. I would assume that margaretrae, like me, heard it from her mother or some other adult. To be honest, I still use it myself occasionally.

[fredpuli47]

QM. The Irish 'credited with fiery tempers' indeed ! What an unmerited slur on us all. Why, Donnybrook is a small village in Norfolk!

[Quizmonster]

It's the red hair, Fred, the red hair!

[joannie10]

yes I am quite happy to stick with Quizmasters explanation - I had never written it down so feel it could have been 'an annie rooney'. I have now been given a picture of Mary Pickford playing the part of 'Annie Rooney' and she looks a mad wee thing! (although I am told it was a 32 year old playing the part of a 12 year old. Looks a bit like orphan Annie although not so sweet.

[Quizmonster]

Joannie, I don't know whether you've ever seen that wonderful Irish actress, Maureen O'Hara, in such films as The Quiet Man. For me, she is the perfect illustration of feisty, red-haired Irish womanhood...an absolutely typical Annie Rooney on her day, I'm sure!

By the way, I'm Quizmonster. I mention it only because there is a member of AB called Quizmaster.

[joannie10]

thanks again for your response sorry I got your name wrong - just was not reading it properly.