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Fissle or fistle

Posted by Lewis on May 02, 2003

In Reply to: Fissle or fistle posted by Steph Phillips on May 01, 2003

: Does anyone know the origin of the word fissle, or fistle? My family use it and reckon it's a local Gloucestershire word, but I can't find any trace of it on the web.

: It basically means 'not sitting still' or shifting around in your seat/bed, I suppose having ants in your pants would be another similar phrase. It's usually said as 'stop fissling around' or 'fissling about'.

: I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who knows where this phrase came from - thanks.

: Stephanie

I reckon it is "Fissile" as in material that is capable of nuclear fission. It may derive from the danger of nervouosly sitting on such material. Your family didn't live near an atomic power station did they?

;-)

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