The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #69121   Message #1171002
Posted By: Gurney
26-Apr-04 - 04:59 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Martin Said to His Man
Subject: RE: Martin said to his man
Back to the thread.

It isn't fye, it is fie. Like many old words in English, this has several meanings.

(1) True. (ie True, man, true)
(2) Predestined.
(3) A fairy. Don't quote me if you intend to sing this meaning in an UK pub.
(4) A facetious exclamation of disapproval (ie Crap, man, crap)

The Dict. of Archaic Words (1-2-3) and Collins (4)

I've always understood that I'm singing (4) but after a few pints (1) also works.