Posted by Robert Dilley on February 22, 2004 at 19:42:38 from 216.211.57.126 user rdilley.
In Reply to: Re: More GN?: seeds of fact?- 'deusy'? posted by Jim McDowell on February 22, 2004 at 13:49:42:
I have never come across the word "deusy"; though Jim's etymology is quite ingenious. "Doozy", however, is widespread in the US and is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary as "[Slang] anything outstanding of its kind". Etymological origin is indicated by "?" Maybe Jim should pass his hypothesis on to Webster.
For those who like their use of language precise I pass on the following story of Noah Webster. It is said that his wife caught him one day kissing their maid. "Mr Webster" she exclaimed; "I am surprised!" "No, madam," responded Noah. "I am surprised; You are astonished."