What is the origin/etymology of pejorative word fanny (pl. fannies)?
The American Heritage Dictionary (AHD) says 'Perhaps from Fanny, a nickname for Frances.' Note that in American English fanny means 'buttocks.' In other dialects of English the location of the fanny is in the same general area but more to the front.
Welcome to the board. Is it Tai-peng Shan or Tai Peng-shan?
The American Heritage Dictionary (AHD) says 'Perhaps from Fanny, a nickname for Frances.'
That's right. Back in the day, we used to sit on our Franceses. Or Francises if you were male.
The American Heritage Dictionary (AHD) says 'Perhaps from Fanny, a nickname for Frances.'
That's right. Back in the day, we used to sit on our Franceses. Or Francises if you were male.
Actually, it's from the sound one makes while sitting on one's
fanny.
BTW, I'm not sure I'd consider fanny to be a pejorative word.
a pejorative word
Seems more a hypocoristic one to me.
Took the words right off of my fingertips.
Hmm--I was planning to post a definition of that word, but for some reason I cannot get a new window to open, though I can navigate within forums here, thank goodness. Maybe later...
Aha--ok now. From Onelook:
Quick definitions (hypocorism)
noun: a name of endearment (especially one using a diminutive suffix) ("`Billy' is a hypocorism for `William'")
A name of endearment? Woe! Should I call my new cat hypocoristically Hyppy ? Or should I call my cat Pet?