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Who is a Pozzy Wallah?

A Pozzy Wallah is often wrongly defined as a person who likes jam.  

The term is actually derived from the period of the British occupation or Raj in India in the late 18th and early 19th century. While a Punkah Wallah moved the fans and a Chai Wallah brewed and served the tea, a Pozzy Wallah looked after and served the preserves.  Pozzy was an army slang term for jams and preserves which also gained humorous favour with the ladies at social gatherings. 

Preserves from Britain or “Back Home” were very expensive so when placed out for breakfast or tea a servant was assigned to swat away the deadly wasps and hornets and also to portion-out a serving.  Sometimes  a trolly would circulate or guests would take their plate to a sideboard. Many would ask the Pozzy Wallah for a recommendation from the selection. 

This became known as   the Pozzy Wallah’s Fancy.