Fiddlesticks

Dawn in Evansville, Indiana, wonders why we dismiss something as nonsense by exclaiming Fiddlesticks! The term arose in the 17th century, most likely because the bow for a fiddle is light, thin, and insubstantial, or in other words, “practically worthless.” Its initial F sound helps make it a satisfying substitute for a curse word. The dismissive phrase not to care a fiddlestick’s end means “not to care at all.” This is part of a complete episode.