fanny adams

Friendly

The term "fanny adams" has a couple of interesting meanings and uses in English. Let's break it down:

Definition:

1. Nautical Term: Originally, "fanny adams" refers to tinned meat, especially the kind of meat that sailors would eat when out at sea. This is a historical reference and is not widely used in modern conversation.
2. Slang for "nothing": In a more general and informal usage, "fanny adams" means "little or nothing at all." For example, if someone says they know "sweet fanny adams" about a topic, they are saying they know very little or nothing about it.

Usage Instructions:

• Informal Context: This phrase is used in casual conversations. It’s not appropriate for formal writing or situations.
• Nautical Reference: Use it when talking about historical contexts related to sailors or military life.

Examples:

1. Nautical Use: "During the long voyage, the crew survived on fanny adams, which was the only food they had left."
2. Informal Use: "I asked for a raise, and they gave me sweet fanny adams instead of more money."
3. Knowledge Reference: "I know sweet fanny adams about surgery; I’m just a simple nurse."

Advanced Usage:

• The phrase can be used to express frustration or disappointment about a lack of something. For example, "After all the hard work, it felt like we received fanny adams in return."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variations of the phrase "fanny adams," but you may encounter similar slang expressions like "bugger-all," which also means "nothing."

Different Meanings:

• The primary meanings are related to food (tinned meat) and the concept of having little or no knowledge or resources.

Synonyms:

• For the meaning of "nothing":
  • "Naught"
  • "Zip"
  • "Zilch"

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idioms: "Bugger-all" is another idiomatic expression that conveys a similar meaning as "fanny adams."
• Phrasal Verbs: There aren't specific phrasal verbs that directly relate to "fanny adams," but expressions like "come up empty" or "turn up nothing" can convey a similar idea of finding nothing.

Summary:

In summary, "fanny adams" is a quirky English phrase that can refer to canned meat or be used informally to mean very little or nothing at all.

Academic

Noun

1. nautical term for tinned meat
2. little or nothing at all
   • I asked for a raise and they gave me bugger-all
   • I know sweet Fanny Adams about surgery

Synonyms

• Fanny Adams
• bugger all
• fuck all
• sweet Fanny Adams