I was wondering how we got this phrase. When I searched this site to see if we'd discussed it yet, I found this that Kalleh posted that refers to Shakespeare. Is it really a Shakespearean phrase? Can you all help me?

Also, is my family the only one who is more likely to use the Spoonerism "swell foop" than the original?

From Macbeth, IV.iii.216ff:

MacDuff: He has no children. All my pretty ones?
Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?
What, all my pretty chickens and their dam
At one fell swoop?

Makes sense, with fell as an archaic adjective meaning feirce or evil. It's the hawk (hell-kite) diving (swooping) down fiercely (fell) on its prey (MacDuff's wife and children who have been killed).

quote:

Also, is my family the only one who is more likely to use the Spoonerism "swell foop" than the original?

I've never heard it before. Since "foop" isn't a word, it is rather unnatural. The unintentional Spoonerism actually provides some interest in cognitive psychology, trying to figure out why our brains are more predisposed towards constructions which come up with 2 real words, although the sentence is still often nonsensical.

The most common Spoonerism I've heard is probably "Bass ackwards", which is really more a joke, than a swapping of sounds.

Some stats:

"fell swoop" 828K ghits
"swell foop" 29.8K ghits
"foop" 84.3K ghits
"lapsus linguae" 65.9L ghits
"slip of the tongue" 321K ghits
"slips of the tongue" 58.7K ghits
"tip of the slongue" 215 ghits
"tips of the slongue" 48 ghits
"ass backwards" 114K ghits
"bass ackwards" 83.5K ghits

I've used "swell foop" at times, so no, CW, you and your family aren't the only odd people around here!

As for the Shakespearean origin of the term, I've long wanted Warner Brothers to do a cartoon version, with Porky Pig as Macbeth, saying to Elmer Fudd as MacDuff, "Lay on, MacFudd!"

quote:

I found this that Kalleh posted that refers to Shakespeare. Is it really a Shakespearean phrase?

Aww, I wouldn't tease you now, would I?

quote:

Originally posted by Caterwauller:
I was wondering how we got this phrase.
Also, is my family the only one who is more likely to use the Spoonerism "swell foop" than the original?

CW, I always say "swell foop" instead of "fell swoop."

And I, growing up, always heard "fam damnily" instead of Damn Family..

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always heard "fam damnily" instead of Damn Family..

Me, too! Oh goodie - I'm glad I'm not the only one with weird parents.

Thanks for the quote, zmj!

And no, Kalleh - I know you wouldn't but isn't this a fun thread?

Yes, it is CW.

Hey...I thought my Dad made up "fam damnily!" There are so many sayings my Dad used to use that I thought were only his, but now I've found they weren't.

I remember I once asked where Mom was, and he said, "She's down in the cellar behind the axe." Well, being gullible (and a literalist), and knowing there really was and axe in our basement, I went down there and looked behind the axe! What a fool! In all fairness, I was probably only about 8 or so.