Jenkins

( Mrs. Winifred ), Mi Tabitha Bramble’s maid, noted for her bad spelling, misapplication of words, and ludicrous misnomers. Mrs. Winifred Jenkins is the original of Mrs. Malaprop.—Smollett, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (1771). Jenkins , a vulgar lick-spittle of the aristocracy, who retails their praises and witticisms, records their movements and deeds, gives flaming accounts of their dre es and parties, either viva voce or in newspaper paragraphs: “Lord and Lady Dash attended divine service last Sunday, and were very attentive to the sermon” (wonderful!). “Lord and Lady Dash took a drive or walk last Monday in their magnificent park of Snob doodle ham. Lady Dash wore a mantle of rich silk, a bonnet with ostrich feathers, and shoes with rosettes.” The name is said to have been first given by Punch to a writer in the Morning Post .