phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Once a king...

Posted by ESC on January 05, 2005

In Reply to: Once a KIng posted by David FG on January 04, 2005

: : : : 'Feign Knights' is a phrase used by children in Kent, England, UK. I grew up using this phrase as did all my childhood friends. It was used whilst playing tag games and you crossed your fingers saying 'feign knights' and it meant no one could tag you, you were safe, immune from being caught in the game. I now live in Gloucestershire and they do not use this phrase here and have not even heard of it.

: : : I can certainly confirm that it is used in Kent - I live there (though I am not a native) but I always thought it was spelled 'fainites': I have to confess I am not at all sure about that, as it is not often one sees it written down.

: : : It was certainly not used where I grew up - my childhood being divided between the Republic of Ireland and schools in Kent and Berkshire.

: : : Another peculiarly Kentish usage seems to be 'Monkey Peas' for woodlice.

: : : DFG

: : :Once a King, always a King,
: : but once a Knight is enough!

: Once a night? Ah, what memories. Once a month more likely (I grow old.)

: DFG

Memories. Benny Ray Halstead, speech class, Shady Spring High School, 1968. Benny, competing for the title of class clown with several others, got sent to the office for ending a speech with "Once a king..." He was killed in Vietnam in 1970. www.flyarmy.org/ incident/70082666.HTM

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.