Anywho

Posted by ESC on January 29, 2005

In Reply to: Anywho posted by Anders on January 28, 2005

: : : : : : : Anywho, a jocular variant of anyhow - what's the origin, and when? I heard it first uttered by Karen Walker of the fabulous Will & Grace show. Quite recently, I heard it in Southpark too, possibly said by Eric Cartman's mom. It's not uncommon, though, as evidenced by numerous web sites.
: : : : : : : Cheers
: : : : : : : Anders

: : : : : : It's also spelled "anyhoo". I can't help thinking of Lisa Loopner, a Gilda Radner character on the old Saturday Night Live TV show, when I hear someone say it. I don't know if it's that old, though.

: : : : : At least that old. I'll testify to 50 years.

: : : : Anders, where have you been? Are you the Anders of yore (that is, last year;)? SS

: : : Dear Smokey
: : : It touches me to be remembered like that! Thank you! 'Tis me, old friend. Well, I have been downplaying my interest in the English language, to address your question, consumed by work and rival interests, such as music, sitcoms, and researching musical equipment. (I have of late become a boutique gear head.) I am very pleased to see so many of the old gang here; I'm impressed by your consistent dedication to this forum. Don't go away!
: : : Cheers
: : : Anders

: : Hi Anders.

: : What stands out in my mind regarding "anywho" is that it was used by an American character on "Absolutely Fabulous." That's when I remember hearing it.

: Thank you, ESC. AF is a good reference, as the hippie mom and her girlfriend are aspiring to the same level of decadence as the afore-mentioned Karen Walker - drug users and layabouts. But the word was said by an American character, you say. There was an American man there, a divorcee, as I recall, not quite as far-out as the mom. Anyway, I can certainly hear the hippie mom say, speaking to her daughter or her girlfriend: "Anywho, it's gonna be absolutely fabulous, darling!"

The American character was Bo, married to one of Edina's ex-husbands -- Marshall. Bo was always following the latest craze. She is also the one who tried to get everyone to "Link pinks and form a caring circle."