Trip the Light Fantastic
Posted by Bruce Kahl on February 27, 2000
In Reply to: Derivation, origination posted by Mike on February 27, 2000
: What is the origin and/or derivation of the expression
: "Come Trip the Light Fantastic " as it applies to dancing.
Take your pick of the following:
"L'Allegro"
by John Milton, 1645
And love to live in dimple sleek;
Sport that wrinkled Care derides,
And Laughter holding both his sides.
Come, and trip it as you go
On the light fantastic toe;
And in thy right hand lead with thee
The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty;
"Sidewalks of New York"
Boys and girls together,
Me and Mamie O'Rourke,
Tripped the light fantastic,
On the sidewalks of New York.