Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-06-19
pIIlLOpENA.

Mn. STACY In your paper of last week, notice
u communication headed "Phlopcnc," signed "D.,"
in which the derivation and meaning of that word was
attempted to be given. Before giving the meaning he
says, If am wrong in my conjecture, I'll thank
any one to set me to rights" do not pretend that
can absolutely, set him "to rights;' (for there is
no word which has passed as current coin in society,
that has caused me much doubt with relation to its
true impor) nevertheless, since this is free country,
and yours Free Press, wish to give you my views
upon it,
| have several objections to "D.'s" explanation of
the word few of which will state as briefly az pos
sblc. lie says it is compounded of yhiios n lover,
and pcnc, almost meaning 81 almost love you." If
Cd" will take the trouble to examine, he will find
that pliios is Greek, and pene Latin; and further
more that there is such word in Latin as phos, nor
such an one in Greek as penc. Now should consid-
or him. who should bring together simple words from
different languages to form English words an ctymo-
logst who, to say the least, did not intend to have
his language understood.
Again, that does not seem to be the meaning which
is attached to the word generally, for it is used in n
more familiar sense. This is argument however,
against the derivation, except far the meaning is
attached TO it which the original inventor designed
should be- "D.," apparently with interested feelings
eXhorts those who honor person with one of the
twin meats of nut she'll to be particular whom they
honor but the contrary, if the word is to be taken
in that sense would advise those honored in this way
Gf an honor ii beg to be particular by rhom they suffer
themselves to be thus honored; for if any should
say to me, 81 almost love YOU" should consider it
as implying that something was observable in my
conduct as the reason why | was not quite loved
which, in turn, would react and to create hatred
or disgust. / should wish to be honored in this way
by those only for whom had little regard.
cannot conceive why person, TO whom another says
I" / almost love vou" lin the sense in which 3D." uses
it) should be obliged TO pay for it. If he docs, he
should pay something that will be an equivalent, at
least; and who will say that kisses are cquvalcn,
for love!
SO much for that now for my genealogical dcri-
walton of the word. The etyma of it, are two Greek
words, phiicS-frendly and poine--a fine, payment
of any thing PhioS is used both as a noun, signify
ing "a lover" "a friend" and as an adjective sig
nifyng friendly" or agreeable" Ioine, synony
nous with the Latin pGna and of course, spelled in
English, pena, primarily signifies punishment and
by an easy deduction, fine, n means Of punish
ment not necessarily, however, connected with
crime; and was used by the ancicnts in familiar ant
social plays, in the manner is frequent among
us in social parties to admdge penalties upon eacl
other. Ii was used in this sense think, by Ovid.
| Now imagine that the word was originated il
some such way as this one more, wisheC
to receive presents from respected not TO say, loved
persons as memorials Of them or they wished when
they met, to have something 10 refresh their minds
with-somc pleasing rccoectons or associations con
nccted with their last interviews ard hence they agreed
that the one who neglected to refer to it, should nvolv
a penalty, and pay a friendly fine"
This is the only rational ground upon which I cal
account for its derivation; and to my mind it is salts
factory. If it satisfy others, shall have gained thu
object in view; if not it can at least harm no one.
Burlington, June s. 1910. n. f. f.