February 11, 2004Words we don't hear enough ofToday, words beginning with the letter 'F'. Try to get them into conversation. Try to get them into a Valentine's message. Here they are: Fey This is a fantastic word, because it means so many things. Doomed, according to the Scots. To clean out, if you believe Tusser (whoever he is). Slightly mad, which is of course one of the best meanings. Suggestive of an elf, which is certainly how I've always taken it (with an undertone of effete). And finally, Chaucer thought it meant faith - but then he was, well, fey. Funicular Related to a cord or cable - most useful as in "I say, is that a funicular railway adorning the horizon? What larks!", which can only really be carried off by a young bounder in Austria. Who is probably a bit fey. Febrile Feverish. I also use it to mean childish, in a slightly metaphorical, slightly wrong, fashion. Happing effing! Posted by James Aylett at February 11, 2004 10:20 PMComments
On a holiday in the Dolomites, my musical ability manifested itself aged 8 with a song i composed, the lyrics of which ran; I am a funicular I also composed a piece about glaciers, along the same lines. such talent in one so young. Posted by: susie at February 18, 2004 02:02 PM |
