What does “Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?” mean?
What does it mean when someone says to you (especially if you have recently been bestowed a new honor), "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?"
expressions
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
add a comment |
What does it mean when someone says to you (especially if you have recently been bestowed a new honor), "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?"
expressions
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40
add a comment |
What does it mean when someone says to you (especially if you have recently been bestowed a new honor), "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?"
expressions
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
What does it mean when someone says to you (especially if you have recently been bestowed a new honor), "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?"
expressions
expressions
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
edited Oct 13 '16 at 16:31
Hellion
52.9k13108196
52.9k13108196
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
asked Apr 7 '15 at 17:32
Teresa Gregory
66113
66113
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40
add a comment |
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
Pulling or Tugging your forelock literally means pulling on your hair at the front middle as you bow your head, and historically was a sign given to a superior upon encountering them (similar to a salute in the military).
For example a peasant might tug their forelock to their lord. It's rather like tipping your hat both literally and figuratively, but much more about rank than respect and no headgear is required.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
add a comment |
Because the Western world no longer observes the custom of having a tenant or laborer pull his forelock as a sign of respect when the lord or squire passes by, alluding facetiously to performing the old custom is a way of sarcastically asking someone whether the deferential person (the one asking the question) has been sufficiently obsequious already or whether further self-humbling is necessary to satisfy the other person. Of course, being sarcastic, the question isn't obsequious in the least.
Depending on the relationship between the speaker and the hearer(s), the question "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?" may be intended in a light-hearted, good-humored way or in a rather bitter way.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
add a comment |
"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
add a comment |
This is a very old religious gesture Semitic in origin and refers to offering your forelock to the master for him to pull--it is symbolic of the fetus attached by umbilical cord to the mother. Both Hebrew mysticism and Briton or Druidic mysticism recognize this gesture. It is shown in real form with the fetus at the end of the movie 2001 A Space Odysey.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f238012%2fwhat-does-do-i-have-to-pull-my-forelock-for-you-now-mean%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Pulling or Tugging your forelock literally means pulling on your hair at the front middle as you bow your head, and historically was a sign given to a superior upon encountering them (similar to a salute in the military).
For example a peasant might tug their forelock to their lord. It's rather like tipping your hat both literally and figuratively, but much more about rank than respect and no headgear is required.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
add a comment |
Pulling or Tugging your forelock literally means pulling on your hair at the front middle as you bow your head, and historically was a sign given to a superior upon encountering them (similar to a salute in the military).
For example a peasant might tug their forelock to their lord. It's rather like tipping your hat both literally and figuratively, but much more about rank than respect and no headgear is required.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
add a comment |
Pulling or Tugging your forelock literally means pulling on your hair at the front middle as you bow your head, and historically was a sign given to a superior upon encountering them (similar to a salute in the military).
For example a peasant might tug their forelock to their lord. It's rather like tipping your hat both literally and figuratively, but much more about rank than respect and no headgear is required.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
Pulling or Tugging your forelock literally means pulling on your hair at the front middle as you bow your head, and historically was a sign given to a superior upon encountering them (similar to a salute in the military).
For example a peasant might tug their forelock to their lord. It's rather like tipping your hat both literally and figuratively, but much more about rank than respect and no headgear is required.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:42
Dan Sheppard
3,9111033
3,9111033
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
add a comment |
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
5
5
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I've only ever used the tug version myself. I always assumed it was what peasants had to do because they couldn't afford hats to "doff".
– FumbleFingers
Apr 7 '15 at 17:50
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
I saw this portrayed in one of the Horatio Hornblower TV series (with Ioan Gruffudd). In an early episode, the sailors tugged their forelocks as a sign of respect to the eponymous character.
– rajah9
Oct 13 '16 at 16:55
add a comment |
Because the Western world no longer observes the custom of having a tenant or laborer pull his forelock as a sign of respect when the lord or squire passes by, alluding facetiously to performing the old custom is a way of sarcastically asking someone whether the deferential person (the one asking the question) has been sufficiently obsequious already or whether further self-humbling is necessary to satisfy the other person. Of course, being sarcastic, the question isn't obsequious in the least.
Depending on the relationship between the speaker and the hearer(s), the question "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?" may be intended in a light-hearted, good-humored way or in a rather bitter way.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
add a comment |
Because the Western world no longer observes the custom of having a tenant or laborer pull his forelock as a sign of respect when the lord or squire passes by, alluding facetiously to performing the old custom is a way of sarcastically asking someone whether the deferential person (the one asking the question) has been sufficiently obsequious already or whether further self-humbling is necessary to satisfy the other person. Of course, being sarcastic, the question isn't obsequious in the least.
Depending on the relationship between the speaker and the hearer(s), the question "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?" may be intended in a light-hearted, good-humored way or in a rather bitter way.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
add a comment |
Because the Western world no longer observes the custom of having a tenant or laborer pull his forelock as a sign of respect when the lord or squire passes by, alluding facetiously to performing the old custom is a way of sarcastically asking someone whether the deferential person (the one asking the question) has been sufficiently obsequious already or whether further self-humbling is necessary to satisfy the other person. Of course, being sarcastic, the question isn't obsequious in the least.
Depending on the relationship between the speaker and the hearer(s), the question "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?" may be intended in a light-hearted, good-humored way or in a rather bitter way.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
Because the Western world no longer observes the custom of having a tenant or laborer pull his forelock as a sign of respect when the lord or squire passes by, alluding facetiously to performing the old custom is a way of sarcastically asking someone whether the deferential person (the one asking the question) has been sufficiently obsequious already or whether further self-humbling is necessary to satisfy the other person. Of course, being sarcastic, the question isn't obsequious in the least.
Depending on the relationship between the speaker and the hearer(s), the question "Do I have to pull my forelock for you now?" may be intended in a light-hearted, good-humored way or in a rather bitter way.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
edited Apr 8 '15 at 0:12
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
answered Apr 7 '15 at 18:34
Sven Yargs
111k18236494
111k18236494
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
add a comment |
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
Thank you, Sven for your informative answer. Best Regards.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:37
add a comment |
"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
add a comment |
"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
add a comment |
"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
answered Apr 7 '15 at 17:48
user106093
911
911
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
add a comment |
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
Thank you for your prompt response and explanation. Cheers!
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 18:38
add a comment |
This is a very old religious gesture Semitic in origin and refers to offering your forelock to the master for him to pull--it is symbolic of the fetus attached by umbilical cord to the mother. Both Hebrew mysticism and Briton or Druidic mysticism recognize this gesture. It is shown in real form with the fetus at the end of the movie 2001 A Space Odysey.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
This is a very old religious gesture Semitic in origin and refers to offering your forelock to the master for him to pull--it is symbolic of the fetus attached by umbilical cord to the mother. Both Hebrew mysticism and Briton or Druidic mysticism recognize this gesture. It is shown in real form with the fetus at the end of the movie 2001 A Space Odysey.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
This is a very old religious gesture Semitic in origin and refers to offering your forelock to the master for him to pull--it is symbolic of the fetus attached by umbilical cord to the mother. Both Hebrew mysticism and Briton or Druidic mysticism recognize this gesture. It is shown in real form with the fetus at the end of the movie 2001 A Space Odysey.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
This is a very old religious gesture Semitic in origin and refers to offering your forelock to the master for him to pull--it is symbolic of the fetus attached by umbilical cord to the mother. Both Hebrew mysticism and Briton or Druidic mysticism recognize this gesture. It is shown in real form with the fetus at the end of the movie 2001 A Space Odysey.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
answered 13 mins ago
Welsh initiate
1
1
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Welsh initiate is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f238012%2fwhat-does-do-i-have-to-pull-my-forelock-for-you-now-mean%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Never encountered this in the States...
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 19:39
This was comment made by a resident of the UK to an American on an online forum. So, the comment did not originate from the States, but was directed there.
– Teresa Gregory
Apr 7 '15 at 23:38
Understood, thanks for clarification. Wouldn't want an ESL to think it common in the wrong place! :)
– Smithers
Apr 7 '15 at 23:40