ca'canny

[ kah-kan-ee, kaw- ]

noun

, British Slang.

1. a deliberate reduction of working speed and production by workers, to express their discontent.

ca'canny

/ ˌkɔːˈkænɪ /

noun

1. moderation or wariness
2. 1. a policy of restricting the output of work; a go-slow
   2. ( as modifier )

      a ca'canny policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of ca'canny¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; literally, “drive gently”; ca', canny

Word History and Origins

Origin of ca'canny¹

C19: literally, call canny to drive gently

Example Sentences

They knew all about “ca' canny.”

From Project Gutenberg

Cann′iness.—To ca' canny, to go or act cautiously.

From Project Gutenberg

If they but loved there could not be any more profiteering, or ca' canny, or any injustice.

From Project Gutenberg

Without here taking account of the "ca'-canny" policy, which aims to make labor inefficient, extravagant wages for efficient labor increase the cost of goods.

From Project Gutenberg

The term "ca'-canny" means working at an easy-going pace, which is one of the methods adopted in order to make work for an excessive number of men.

From Project Gutenberg