Word and phrase origins...

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by smc

As impressive a list as ladyboyadmirer provided, the question was an etymological one.

There is not universally agreed-to etymology for the word "fuck" in English, although there are several sources that are generally accepted. Germanic cognates are one important source: words in German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Dutch all are similar, and mean "to strike" or in some cases "to copulate." But these may not be the ultimate source.

What is clear is that few, if any, of the "urban myths" about the word's origins are accurate: none of the acronyms, nor any of the things about stockades, or any of that other tripe.

The word's use in a negative context seems to me to be an obvious function of the taboo's associated with its sexual meanings.

Interesting SMC and ladyboy admirer - and yes, the question was one of origin more so than usage.

I was familiar with some of the root words being associated with 'to strike' or to strike at' and presumed that's where the phrase "fuck you" is rooted and it is of course hurled about today as an insult or a attack. Hence, to strike.

Works for me.

Anyone have anything else?

[ila]

Originally Posted by hegirllvr

...Anyone have anything else?

According to the Dictionary of Word Origins by John Ayto the word fuck in written form goes back no further than the early 16th century. It is of Germanic origin, but the source has never been accurately identified. The earliest known examples come from Scotland and is therefore thought to have a Scandinavian origin. Possible roots are the Norwegian word fukka which means to copulate or Swedish focka which means copulate or hit. A third possible origin is also the Swedish word fock which means penis.

The Oxford English Dictionary gives the meaning of fuck as to copulate. The earliest listed use is from 1503.

Regardless of the origins the word has always been consdered to be vulgar.

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by ila

According to the Dictionary of Word Origins by John Ayto the word fuck in written form goes back no further than the early 16th century. It is of Germanic origin, but the source has never been accurately identified. The earliest known examples come from Scotland and is therefore thought to have a Scandinavian origin. Possible roots are the Norwegian word fukka which means to copulate or Swedish focka which means copulate or hit. A third possible origin is also the Swedish word fock which means penis.

The Oxford English Dictionary gives the meaning of fuck as to copulate. The earliest listed use is from 1503.

Regardless of the origins the word has always been consdered to be vulgar.

I think the Germanic term may be 'fic'. I once worked for a German company (in a US office location) and there was a code procedure for our in house network which was called Format Indicator Coding. Other non-Germanic techs always referred to it as 'fic'.

One afternoon, I was working with a new employee fresh from Germany and she was having some issues with the network. My solution? I suggested she call a tech and request a 'fic'. The then very red faced young lady asked me to explain how a 'fuck from the tech would her her log into the network.'

True story. I swear.

[smc]

Originally Posted by ErosArtist

I think the Germanic term may be 'fic'. I once worked for a German company (in a US office location) and there was a code procedure for our in house network which was called Format Indicator Coding. Other non-Germanic techs always referred to it as 'fic'.

One afternoon, I was working with a new employee fresh from Germany and she was having some issues with the network. My solution? I suggested she call a tech and request a 'fic'. The then very red faced young lady asked me to explain how a 'fuck from the tech would her her log into the network.'

True story. I swear.

And no one laughed at the fact that the tech might use his "log" to fuck her?

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by smc

And no one laughed at the fact that the tech might use his "log" to fuck her?

Oh yeah...everyone got lots of mileage out of that one...for years down the road!