The Scottish writer R.L. Stevenson popularized the Scottish term for lamplighters – “leerie” – in his 1885 poem, “The Lamplighter”: ... In 19th-century England, lamplighters had a far better reputation than “Dusty Bobs,” the term used for chimney sweeps like Bert. Chimney sweeping was a desperately poor trade.

What are lamplighters called in Mary Poppins?

In spite of his duty as a lamplighter (referred to as a "leerie") throughout the film, he shows a good personality to Mary Poppins and also joins alongside Michael Banks' three children, John, Annabel, and Georgie.

What is a Leerie?

Leerie n. a lamplighter, who lit gas lamps in towns and cities (before electric light)