living over the brush

[maryw]

living over the brush

[Moonhead]

.... Is an old saying used to describe a man and woman who live together as husband and wife, but havent actually had an official/legal wedding. I think it comes from the old navvie camp days, in the times of building the railways, but not positive about that- lets hope someone like QM can confirm I'm right...?

[andy hughes]

It dates back to the days of slaves in the South. Because they often had no access to proper wedding ceremonies, they used to ask the bride and groom to 'jump the broomstick' - where they stepped over a broom laid on the ground. This simple act meant they were 'married', although not in law, so some people referred to such a couple as 'living over the brush' - meaning they lived as husband and wife, but their relationship had no legal status.

[Quizmonster]

I see you last answered this one here almost three years ago, Andy! He certainly seems to know what he's talking about on this topic, Moon. (I'm joking, Andy.)