sawder
Very Rare / ArchaicArchaic / Dialectal / Literary (if used)
Definition
Meaning
Flattery; soft, ingratiating talk.
A now-archaic noun referring to smooth, coaxing, or wheedling language intended to gain favour or persuade someone. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to flatter or cajole'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Sawder" is a dialectal or archaic corruption/contraction of "solder" (the metal alloy used to join things). The metaphorical link is that flattery 'joins' or 'softens' people. The related verb is primarily 'to soft-sawder' or 'to soft-soap'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is historically found in British and Irish dialectal use (e.g., Irish English, Scots). In modern American English, it is virtually extinct and would be highly obscure.
Connotations
In its historical context, it carries connotations of insincere, manipulative, or rustic charm.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with slightly better historical attestation in British/Irish dialect literature. Not used in contemporary standard English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to lay on the sawderto apply some sawderto be full of sawderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to lay on the sawder (to flatter excessively)”
- “to soft-sawder someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in historical linguistics or literature studies discussing archaic terms.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday English.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old farmer would sawder the landlord to get an extension on his rent.
- Don't try to soft-sawder me with your excuses.
American English
- (Not used in modern AmE. Historical example) He sawdered the official to get the permit.
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. The adjectival form is part of the compound 'soft-sawder').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The salesman's soft sawder was obvious, but I still found it charming.
- In the old play, the character used a great deal of sawder to get what he wanted.
- His political strategy relied less on policy and more on a constant application of folksy sawder aimed at the rural electorate.
- The 19th-century author used dialect terms like 'sawder' to depict the cunning flattery of his rustic characters.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a salesman trying to SOLDER (join) a deal with you using S AWDer (flattery). Flattery is the 'soft solder' that binds people.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLATTERY IS AN ADHESIVE / FLATTERY IS A SOFTENING AGENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "saw" (пила). It has no relation to cutting. The closest conceptual Russian equivalent might be "лесть" or the idea of "умасливать" someone with words.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a modern synonym for flattery in serious writing. Confusing it with the verb 'saw' or the tool 'saw'. Spelling it as 'solder' (the metal).
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of the archaic term 'sawder'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic and dialectal. It is a historical variant/corruption of 'solder' used metaphorically to mean flattery.
It is not recommended as it will confuse most listeners/readers. Use standard terms like 'flattery' or 'cajolery' instead.
The fixed phrase is 'soft sawder' (meaning obvious or excessive flattery), and the verbal phrase 'to lay on the sawder'.
Yes, etymologically. 'Sawder' is a dialectal pronunciation and spelling of 'solder'. The metaphorical meaning comes from the idea of flattery acting like a soft metal that joins or smoothes over relationships.