Fauntleroy!

By Faye
@FayeHazel (40250)
United States
December 29, 2017 1:10pm CST
"Fauntleroy!" Have you ever used or heard the expression before? Fauntleroy pronounced as "Font - La - Roy". I grew up with it. It was seldom used, but the usage was when someone thought they were being noble/elegant but making a goof of themselves or someone committing an etiquette faux pas and not even realizing it. It was like a mild insult. I didn't know the origins of it, but all of a sudden I was reminded of it when I saw this book for offer at the local library "Little Lord Fauntleroy" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Most certainly this must be the origin of the slur. So for that, and no other reason - I checked out the audiobook. So this book was written in the 1800s and was quite the influential book at the time. It was a Children's novel. 7 Yr. Old American boy Cedric becomes an heir to a British Earl. He and his mother move to England to accept the newfound fortune. Well - the crusty old man - the Earl - doesn't like young Cedric's mom. But quickly he becomes quite found of the little boy. But then Cedric - re-named Fauntleroy - is a special kind of a boy. Even though he is young - he is wise and insightful. His friends are grown ups like the elderly apple-cart lady, the neighbor lady, the boot black, and especially the grocer. He's thoughtful and sweet. When his grandpa the crusty old Earl gives him some money, he promptly gives it all to those who are less fortunate than he. He also easily embraces the crusty old man readily and reframes the often harsh actions of the old man in a way that make the old man kinder. I've read some reviews and I think there is going to be some drama with another heir coming into the picture - but I'm not that far yet. Things that struck me. Is this kid too good to be true? I understand that this way the 1880s and all, but still... Language has changed - several men "ejaculating" have been described - uhm, well apparently that used to mean "exclaim" or "shout" and not.... uh.... anything else..... seeing as this is a children's novel. I guess the slur makes sense. This child is a do-gooder , proper, prim young man Ever read something unexpected like this? Do you know this book? Wikipedia article above, some information confirmed
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article is about the novel. For the film, TV and opera adaptations, see Little Lord Fauntleroy (disambiguation). "Fauntleroy" redirects here. For other uses, see Fauntleroy (disambiguat
11 people like this
11 responses
• United States
29 Dec 17
I have never read that book but I am familiar with the title..nice to know what it is all about now Faye. I think there may be an old film about it too I seem to recall..could be wrong though.
2 people like this
• United Kingdom
29 Dec 17
I've seen an old film of this where Mickey Rooney plays a small d!ck.
2 people like this
• United Kingdom
29 Dec 17
@TiarasOceanView Although he was small, he often had a large part in the movies he starred in. Very popular with the ladies too. A bit like me. Best wishes to you too. x
2 people like this
• United States
29 Dec 17
@Orson_Kart He was always a small fellow haah yep I thought I recalled a film A very happy new year to you and family dear Orson xo
2 people like this
@Wogiam (63)
• United Kingdom
29 Dec 17
I have not heard about or read the book. A new word (Fauntleroy) to me also. I will check my library for it, sounds like a good read over the holidays.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
It was actually a pretty good book and amazing to think that this was a child's novel
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
30 Dec 17
Yes, and my mother called my brother Little Lord Fauntleroy. LOL!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
31 Dec 17
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
Lol! Oh cool! I'm so happy someone else knows what I mean :-)
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43451)
• Denver, Colorado
4 Jan 18
I've heard of the book, but not the expression.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
5 Jan 18
That's funny, I was the opposite
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20272)
30 Dec 17
Heard of this book before. It was made into movies twice I think (1936 and 1980). Never read or watched it however.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
Oh wow, I didn't know about the movies. Might have to look into that, too
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20272)
31 Dec 17
@FayeHazel Happy New Year .
• United States
30 Dec 17
I read this book a while back, and I thought it was really good. There's a huge twist that I never saw coming.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
I was really surprised that this was a children's book back in it's day. It was plenty complex enough to keep my attention as an adult
1 person likes this
• United States
31 Dec 17
@FayeHazel It seems like a lot of children's books had more of real life stories back then, I think kids must have grown up mentally, faster then they do now.
• United States
30 Dec 17
that's still used as an insult in my area as somebody putting on airs. you don't hear it out of anyone less than 40 tho..
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
Lol! I'm happy to know it's a known phrase, I was starting to think it was something my dad mad eup
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (133754)
• Roseburg, Oregon
29 Dec 17
That sounds like a good book to read.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
It was surprisingly complex for what was originally a kid's book
@JudyEv (323673)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Dec 17
I don't know the book but I know of Little Lord Fauntleroy. I've never heard the expression used in the way you describe.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
It's so cool to discover this story. I'm happy hearing the slang made me curious to read it
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109865)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Dec 17
I saw the old movie a long time ago.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
I'm inspired to look up the movie now
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53601)
29 Dec 17
I have heard the name before, but I haven't read the book. I should add it to my collection.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
31 Dec 17
Cool, it was an enjoyable read (or listen)
1 person likes this