phrases & sayings

[carcam]

who was "sweet Fanny Adams"

[Mortartube]

Fanny Adams was a young girl who was callously murdered in the 1860's. Her murder caused revulsion across the country and the saying came into use shortly afterwards, initially as an expression of pity. More here. http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/curtis/fannyadams/

[New Forester]

I've always understood it to be a euphemism for "sweet **** all" -- a phrase which I have certainly heard many times.

[Hippy]

It's a euphemism for Football Association, isn't it?

[firefly]

Indeed, that may have been the intention, New Forester. But given that it came from 1860s it is doubtful. Possibly sweet **** all came from the phrase 'sweet Fanny Adams'.

[pinus]

Nickname in the Royal Navy http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/4726.html

[smudge]

I've heard that expression said so many times over the years, but never gave a thought to the true meaning. I've just looked at that website Mortartube & how very sad. God rest her soul.

[smudge]

Just perused the site you mentioned pinus. Very interesting reading too.

[Ashley]

I too just read the info from the site mentioned - very interesting - anyone interested in law/crime/etc should give it a read.

[mad4music]

okay im kinda worried here.....my nan always used to call m Fanny Anne so whats it mean...

[mad4music]

sorry adams nt anne duno where my head was