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Update 2, Elle,
The first mention of "parky" is in OED in 1895.
Suggestions that it may be from "parka", an Aleutian word for a kind of jacket/coat.
Or from an open field/park which is exposed to weather.
Looks like we are up a gum tree on this one, Elle?
And why a "gum tree"?

Hey, Rusty!
Goodness, now where to start.....
Firstly, I never realised that Miss ATW had travelled on her own......very "brave" of her to be so independent, but you must surely all have been worried whilst she was away?
No mater how sensible she is, the "world" as such is not a very safe place these days?
For how long was she away travelling?
How are afield did she go?
I didn't know that about "Autumn" versus "Fall".
I always assumed - obviously erroneously - that we had always used the word Autumn" here and that "Fall" was originally an American and Canadian word.
I didn't even know that France came into the equation at all.
Well done on finding all that out!
We learn something new every day!
If you use the word "parky" up near you, I wonder why the Scottish gentleman today thought that it was a "Cockney" word?
(His wife is English, so I don't know how long he has lived in England?)
I didn't check my Oxford Dictionary for the definition , but "parky" isn't in my Chambers nor in my Brewers.
You did well to find it!
Now as for "Up a gum tree...."!
Brewers says that it means "Faced with a serious problem, in a highly awkward situation. The allusion may be to the gum tree as a refuge for the opossum"
Does that help us at all, Rusty?

Hello, Elle,
Yes, we worried about her, but everything was fine.
She travelled down through Europe, Israel, Cambodia, on to Australia and NZ. The only place she did not like was Australia.
She said the racism there sickened her.
Autumn comes from Old French Autompne.
We had Fall until it arrived.
No, the Pilgrims took Fall with them.
Parky is in use here, but more often we would say, "Baltic", for very cold.
Not sure how widespread or not that is, but we have very close links with the Baltic regions through seafaring trade over the centuries.
"Parky" is in my Chambers 10th edition, meaning "chilly".
If you are up a "gum tree", you are stuck.
Is not it likely that "gum sticks", never mind the opossum?
Brewers is probably correct, though!

Hi Rusty and Elle,

The word Parka is well used in French, in the same way as Anorak;
I would imagine 'parky' comes from there - I have often heard it used when in England, and my Scottish/American husband used it too - but there again he did live in England for many years!

It was definitely very parky here today, and some of he rain looked rather white.....

Good morning, Pigale!
I do not remember "parky" being used when I was young, but it is certainly in use in Scotland now.
Strange how nobody knows for sure the origin of the word?
"Parky" here as well, today!

Good morning Rusty!

Somewhat less 'parky' this morning, though far from warm;
Any snow yet?

Interestingly, my Chambers gives 'parkee' as an alternative to 'parky' - could that be the origin of parky = cold?

Hello, Pigale!
Yes, I have "parkee" and "parki", too, as alternatives to "parka". An Aleutian word.
Yes, it is less parky this morning here, too.
We have snow forecast for today.
I had a look at the osprey site, (it is slightly further North from me) but no snow there, so far.
I had a fine brisk walk earlier.
Perfect weather for it!

Good morning, Rusty!
We have yet another lovely day here - bright blue sky, sunshine - colder still than yesterday, but great for walking!
I was reluctant to come home this morning........but am appreciating my piping hot coffee!
It is interesting that your granddaughter spent time in Cambodia.........
A friend of mine and her husbands spent a great part of their lives first in Thailand, and then later in Cambodia, working as missionaries .
We got monthly reports of life and conditions there.
I misinformed you earlier when I said that "parky" was not in my Chambers!
I meant to say that the origin was not listed there - it actually states "Origin unknown".
We may never find out!
I have a "free" day today!
How about you?
Any plans?
Any sigh of snow yet?



Hello, Pigale!
How are you?
You will not be liking this cold weather!
How are your cats faring? Are they staying indoors?
I have "parkee" and "parki" under "parka" (def. a waterproof coat) in my Chambers - but not listed under "parky"
That reference simply says "chilly" and "origin unknown"

Good morning, Elle!
I think it is less cold here, today.
No snow...yet!
I had a look at Loch o' the Lowes and no snow there either.
(The crows are still there!)
They will get snow before me, I think.
No, I think we are stuck up a gum tree with "parky".
I have a hunch that it is from Northern England, though.
I will get in touch with Norn Iron and see if they use it!
No plans until Saturday.

Hi again,

I have just googled Parky, and it says that it is more in use in the North of England and probably dirived from weather cold enough to need a 'parker' - Just as you thought really and it is quite logical!