[Loch-ruadh] The Finger

Padraig O'Maolagain padraig_ruad at irishbard.com
Thu Aug 9 14:01:29 PDT 2001


RE: Giving the Finger

Although amusing, this is complete fabrication.

- The French would have merely killed the archers.  Even an archer with a missing finger could still wield a sword or pike, and therefore be a danger.  Also, generally the only prisoners that were taken in medieval battles were those who could be ransomed.  Archers, being commoners, would have no one who could pay a ransom for them, with or without their middle fingers.

- The English, rather than using the single digit salute, make a "V" with the index and middle fingers (kind of a reverse hippie peace sign), and gesture with an upward motion of the hand.  Although the middle finger we are familiar with is used and understood throughout the world due to the wonders of mondern communications, it is an American gesture.

- If words beginning with "pl" are so difficult to say, why are there so many of them?  Please, plastic, platonic, plutonium, plum, etc.  Why do these words (some of which go back as far as "pluck") not start with "f" rather than "pl"?

- Relating "the bird" to the pheasant feathers is merely circular logic to tie it all together.

Sorry to be a finger plucking party pooper.  :)  Another Urban Legend bites the dust.

Padraig
Nunc est bibendum
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Politicians prefer unarmed peasants
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