Meaning
We share a common humanity and none of us is inherently above the others. Affirming and egalitarian. It may refer to all humanity or, in a narrower context, members of one community. Regional use: Scots and Scottish English.
Origin
The Scottish National Dictionary records 'We're a' John Tamson's bairns' in 1847 as a frequent expression of mutual fellowship. Jock is a familiar Scots form of John and bairns are children. Stories that identify Jock Tamson with a particular minister are late and conflicting; the saying's inclusive force is clear, but its supposed father figure is not securely historical.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- We're a' Jock Tamson's bairns
- We're all John Tamson's bairns
Usage Examples
- Leave the titles at the door; we're all Jock Tamson's bairns here.
- The appeal reminded both villages that they were a' Jock Tamson's bairns.
- We're all John Tamson's bairns when the river comes over its banks.