View sign 'coffee'
coffee
|
Description(meaning: grinding coffee in mill.) Hold the extended left hand, back down, in front of body; bring the closed right hand a few inches over left palm, little finger nearest and parallel to it; move the right hand in small horizontal circle, representing turning of the crank. References: black, drink, kettle, little, water |
NotesClark notes: Some years since, before the general introduction of coffee-mills, the usual sign was to hold right hand, back nearly to right, thumb pressing against first joint of nearly-extended and about horizontal index fingers, others closed, so that thumbnail will leave little more than tip of index visible. This is the sign for LITTLE, and is used for a grain of any kind also. I have sometimes, but very rarely, seen the signs for KETTLE, for putting water in it, for fire under it, and for drink and good, added. This would hardly be necessary, and I mention it merely to show the ease with which signs can be so elaborated upon as to clearly show their meaning. I have also seen the signs for DRINK, WATER, and BLACK made. Indians are very fond of coffee. The berry is browned, usually in a frying-pan, then pounded up or ground in a mill if they have one, put in the kettle to boil, and sufficient sugar is put in to sweeten it. As a rule they do not drink it very strong. |