Terrence Neilan

Posted by David FG on May 03, 2010 at 11:08

In Reply to: Terrence Neilan posted by Rigamaroll on May 03, 2010 at 09:43:

: This is one I've used all my life... don't know how it came to be in my vocab. - rigamaroll, as in "a unit" - "I don't understand this rigamaroll".

'Rigmarole' doesn't mean 'a unit', but is defined by the OED as: "A succession of incoherent statements; an unconnected or rambling discourse; a long-winded harangue of little meaning or importance" and "A succession of tiresome duties; a lengthy procedure; a fuss, a 'palaver'."

It is a corruption of the earlier 'Ragman Roll', defined as 'A list or catalogue; spec. (in early use) a list of accusations or offences.'

DFG

• Terrence Neilan James Briggs 03/May/10