Talk:Spooning
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The key to remember is that the term "spooning" is a very old term. It originally meant nothing more than hugging and kissing or petting. But since the English language is an ever-changing, growing thing, as time past someone with a good imagination came up with this literal spoon interpretation, and now a lot of people think this slang interpretation of the word is always how the word was used. In reality, the ancient root of the word comes from the old English word- "spon". Think of the word "spawn" and you'll begin to figure it out. Spawn is a reproductive term frequently associated with animals- specifically fish. When the term "spoon" was first being used it had nothing to do with the kind of spoon you stir your coffee with.
Since I'm an English major and I dont like slang generally, I think people should use the word correctly in it's original meaning and not bother to try to come up with a feeble intuitive explanation which is completely fictional. "Spooning" is petting. "Spooning" is not some sexual position that got it's name from kitchen cutlery! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.200.116.69 (talk • contribs) 00:58, August 4, 2006 (UTC)
- Can you provide a reference for that etymology? That would be good to have in the article. 70.18.4.75 00:30, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
Here's a reference: Online Etymology Dictionary spoon (v.)
1715, "to dish out with a spoon," from spoon (n.). The meaning "court, flirt sentimentally" is first recorded 1831, from slang noun spoon "simpleton" (1799), a fig. use based on the notion of shallowness.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
: It seems if you were flirting too much you were considered shallow and to be "spooning out"
simple behaviour. JL:
- What about forking? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.31.153.197 (talk • contribs) 02:49, August 5, 2006 (UTC)
- If you really are an English major, as you claim, you ought to be aware of such concepts as prescription and description, and be aware of the meaninglessness of your talk about using the word 'correctly'. Even if the word is derived as you claim, etymology does not determine definition! If you're a prescriptivist who likes to use language 'correctly', you ought to take a little more care with your writing! You could start by reading our article on the apostrophe, and reconsidering your decision to come out with things like "I dont like slang", "it's original meaning" and "got it's name"! Your credibility in this area is extremely limited! 81.155.83.249 13:11, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
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- Heh. Pwned. 70.18.4.75 00:07, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
[edit] the perennial question
What do you do with the other arm? It's always in the way. 70.18.4.75 00:07, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
