For unlawful carnal knowledge? Basically useless language lies.

Posted on September 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

My latest article for The Week takes aim at popular stories that this or that word (including some rather rude ones) comes from an acronym. It’s guaranteed to be a wet blanket for party-trick etymologies. I do so love snuffing out rubbish!

Don’t buy into nonsensical etymologies of the F-word

Or any other imagineered claims that common words were derived from winking acronyms

This entry was posted in The Week and tagged acronyms, Cessation Of Motor Activity, coma, Constable On Patrol, cop, etymology, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, Fornication Under Consent of King, fuck, Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden, golf, news, North East West South, Port Outward Starboard Home, posh, Ship High In Transit, shit, The Week, tip, To Improve Performance, To Insure Prompt Service. Bookmark the permalink.

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For unlawful carnal knowledge? Basically useless language lies.

Don’t buy into nonsensical etymologies of the F-word

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Follow Sesquiotica

Get a premium subscription

I am for hire

Buy the T-shirt (or coffee mug or hip flask)

12 Gifts for Writers ebook – free download

Buy my books

Word Tasting Notes Google group

Search Sesquiotica

Recent Posts

Top Posts

Categories

Past posts

Blogroll

Meta