'Feign-nites' (Sp) ?

[derekpara]

When we were kids, if we wanted a truce in the middle of a game we would cross fingers and cry ' 'Feign-nites'. Not sure of the spelling, but that's how it sounded. Any idea of its origin ?

Cheers.

D

[tenrec]

We used to say Feign, and then tick-tack feign, whilst crossing little fingers, no idea why!

[MantaRay]

Oh I remember the phrase well, it helped prevent getting thumped in the playground...until secondary school came along that is. At Brighton schools we pronounced it more like fay-nits...but I've still no idea of it's origin so will be equally interested to learn more.

[Jonathan-Joe]

It’s a form of fend, which at one time had a meaning of “to forbid”. - http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-fai1.htm

[woofgang]

last paragraph but one, the Opies take on it
http://www.phrases.or.../48/messages/885.html

[derekpara]

Well done, JJ & Woofgang. Now we know !

Thanks.

D

[karenmac60]

We put our thumbs up and said 'keys'. Wonder where that came from...

[HowardKennitby]

Cassell's Dict of Slang has

fains; fains I; fain I; fainits

all meaning a call for a truce. Dates from mid-19C. Derivation as given already.

[maggiebee]

We clenched both hands into fists and said "chaps".

[DaisyNonna]

In the Midlands it was Pax

[taichiperson]

It was 'no returns' in Guernsey

[bednobs]

pax here in hampshire too

[factor-fiction]

We used to say "ballies" but I've not heard it since my primary school days

[starone]

Must be something that is different to each area. We always called 'crees' and crossed fingers on both hands.

[factor-fiction]

I so now vaguely remember FEIGNIS

[factor-fiction]

(Should say "I do now vaguely remember FEIGNIS")

[elzee53]

We called 'cree', and I've never even considered it's meaning or origin until now.