Gamps

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of large umbrella with a bent handle that is often used in inclement weather
2. A specific design of a parasol featuring a curved grip, typically employed for protection from rain
3. A traditional style of rain umbrella known for its extended canopy and distinctive curved shaft

Etymology: A "gamp" originally referred to a type of large umbrella, often associated with the image of a stout, practical umbrella carried by working-class individuals in 19th-century England. The term gained particular popularity thanks to the character Mrs. Gamp, a nurse portrayed by Charles Dickens in his novel "Martin Chuzzlewit" (published in the 1840s). Mrs. Gamp was known for carrying a distinctive, oversized umbrella, which became so closely linked to her character that the word came to signify such umbrellas in general. The name "gamp" itself likely emerged as a humorous or colloquial term during the Victorian era, capturing the somewhat cumbersome and unwieldy nature of the umbrella Mrs. Gamp favored. Over time, "gamp" shifted from being a proper name tied to a fictional character to a common noun describing a style of umbrella, especially one that was large, heavy, and often somewhat unfashionable. Though "gamp" is not a standard term for umbrella today, it remains a quaint and evocative word, recalling the social and literary context of Victorian England. It highlights how literature can influence everyday language, turning a character’s personal accessory into a recognizable object with its own name. The plural form "gamps" simply follows regular English noun pluralization and refers to multiple such umbrellas. The word adds a layer of cultural history and literary reference whenever it appears, especially in discussions of period costume or London street life in the 19th century.

Synonyms: umbrellas, parasol, canopy, shade, brolly