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Archiver > ABOUT-WORDS > 2004-12 > 1103031002


From: "Gordon Barlow" <>
Subject: the next best
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 08:21:36 -0800
References: <000801c4e111$e2606bc0$59f1a1cd@toshibauser> <025001c4e121$163244a0$f5faeb18@wordcruncher>


> Gordon - I have read your email a number of times, but I still can't
figure
> out what the meaning of "next" is in your example "a next sandwich".
> Bruce.

A next sandwich is another one. It would be *the* next sandwich if the
speaker could see it, I guess.

Gordon

h i t!"
>
PW:> Historically the use of many phrases and words for bodily parts seems
rather excessive.
> The words used particularly for our generative organs and areas...
GB: I think it quite likely that in many instances *religious* curses have
been corrupted into profane ones. English's famous "f u c k" [letters
separated in case the Internet censors are onto us!] may well derive from
"fica" and similar meaning or relating to words for "finger" - the use of
fingers being common in religions throughout history. Even today priests
use special finger-signs to bless, the devout use them in prayers, the
heathens use them to touch wood, ward off evil eyes and abuse careless
drivers. In earlier times, "fica you!" would have been an infinitely more
savage curse than the modern equivalent is now.

PW:> Indeed, there were many surnames that reflect this usage.
GB: Phil, you will remember from our time together on the Surnames List that
I am highly skeptical about the theory that ephemeral descriptives became
permanent surnames. I absolutely refuse to believe that the surnames Balls,
Long and Dick derive from the physical attributes of ancestors' private
parts. Sorry! There is a German surname Fuchs that has a variant with -k-
substituting for -h-: I don't believe that has anything to do with the
activities of any ancestor, either. However, I do have my suspicions about
Sexsmith...

Gordon


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