In the old days the city of Edinburgh was less famous for its greenery
than for the smoke and bad stench pervading the Old Town, which gave
rise to its nickname, »Auld Reekie« (Old Smoky). The tenements of the
Old Town did not feature the indoor sewage disposal technology that we
are accustomed to today, and it was by no means uncommon for the good
citizens of Edinburgh to greet the early morning by emptying the
content of their chamber pots out of a 5th-story window with the
cheery cry of »Gardyloo« (from the French *gardez, l'eau*, or »Watch
out, some water«) to warn hapless passers-by. Hence, one
interpretation of the title of this dance views it as a kind of
super-euphemism for these »blooms« of crudity and tastelessness. More
delicate and tender sources prefer to relate the title to the young
ladies of the city.
