Everyone knows what a fiddle is, right? Or what it means to fiddle. It’s a violin. More, it’s a colloquial use (that usually denotes the rural or country or south) at this point. Why? The word has been used since the late 14th century, it’s perfectly legitimate. Why the connotation? (Let’s keep in mind that I LOVE what has become termed “fiddling.” I like the more formal Violin too, but the fiddle is so much fun!)
Interestingly, it’s been relegated to such use largely because of the other words containing “fiddle” that mean “nonsense.” Funny, huh? We’ve got fiddle-faddle used since 1610 for “nonsense.” Fiddlesticks has meant the same since 1620. Fiddlededee combines the nonsensical with contempt, and has since 1784. From what I can tell, there’s no particular reason why “fiddle” got used in all these words, but it’s certainly had an effect on the root word. Fiddle now has associations with nonsense.
Maybe that’s why I like it so well. 😉
Forgive me if this post isn’t quite coherent–we spent 12 hours in the car yesterday coming home from St. Louis. The conference was great, fun, etc. Appointments went well, classes were great, but the absolute best part was getting to talk to all my friends face to face!
I’m guessing it may take a few days to recover though, LOL.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
Well shucks, Joanne! Knowing how many blogs you read, that's high praise indeed!! =)
I never ever EVER would have guessed fiddle has been around as long as it has! Fascinating stuff. Have I mentioned Word of the Week is probably my favorite blog "series" – here and possibly anywhere?