Hark

Posted by Lotg on June 25, 2004

In Reply to: Does one "hark" or "harp" back to a golden age? posted by Gary on June 25, 2004

: : Weirdly, I have just seen both in print. Does anyone know?

: Hark back and harp on.

I've never heard 'harp' back before in this context. Besides I thought to 'harp' on something was pretty much to go on about it, nag about it, etc.

Wherease to 'hark back' is to go back to something which seems more relevant here. So I check out Merriam-Webster and it says this:

1 : to turn back to an earlier topic or circumstance
2 : to go back to something as an origin or source

So I'm going with the 'hark' option here, partly cos that's the one I'm familiar with and partly cos of the definition of the term 'hark back'.

I suppose someone could be accused of 'harping' back, like I'm doing now - ie. going on and on about it - but I don't believe that's the original saying.

So - Vote 1 - Hark. (for me anyway)

• Harken ESC 25/June/04
  • The Lone Ranger and thanks Word Camel 25/June/04
    • The Lone Ranger and thanks ESC 25/June/04
      • The Lone Ranger and thanks Word Camel 25/June/04
        • Not what they wear, but who's wearing it? Lotg 25/June/04
          • Don Herbert as Mr. Wizard Bruce Kahl 25/June/04