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Re: English slang, was Dodgy alternator?

To: paul.hunt1@virgin.net, Lawrie@britcars.com, scottbeavis@mobrey.com,
Subject: Re: English slang, was Dodgy alternator?
From: Editorgary@aol.com
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000 16:46:57 EST
In a message dated 11/3/00 11:50:42 AM, paul.hunt1@virgin.net writes:

<< Also used in telling someone to "Naff off" by the likes of Ronnie Barker 
and
Princess Anne. >>

One needs to be a little careful using someone else's slang. Thought you all 
might enjoy chapter and verse here from a wonderful publication: <<British 
English, A to Zed>> by Norman Schur published by Facts on File, Inc. 

I quote:
Naff (adj). slang. Shabby, cheap or tatty. "Naff off!" is the equivalent of 
"bugger off! " or in America "F*** off."  "Naffing" began in the RAF as a 
substitute for [the F word used as an adjective]. The generally accepted 
original source is that it was an armed forces gibe against NAAFI.

NAAFI (n.) Slang, pronounced naffy or nahfy. Standing for Navy, Army, and Air 
Force Institute, an organization that operates canteens and service centers 
for members of the British armed forces, similar to an American PX. 

end quote.

Now wasn't that fun for a Friday?
Cheers
Gary Anderson
Editor, British Car Magazine

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