kviel@EMORY.EDU wrote: > >dictionary.com: > >Word of the Day for Wednesday, January 17, 2007 > >foofaraw \FOO-fuh-raw\, noun: > >1. Excessive or flashy ornamentation or decoration. >2. A fuss over a matter of little importance. > >Sorry, I could help it, with the penchant for FOO, and all: > >data FOO ; > >data FOOfuhraw ; * <- programming for fabulous job security? ; > > >Kevin > > >Kevin Viel >PhD Candidate >Department of Epidemiology >Rollins School of Public Health >Emory University >Atlanta, GA 30322

It is generally regarded that the original use of 'foo' in the computer programming biz came as an in-joke, from the nonsense word 'foo' used in the (extremely) old comic strip "Smokey Stover". The comic's author, Bill Holman, never gave anyone a straight answer about where HE got the word. And since he died nearly 20 years ago, he's not likely to help out now.

So maybe there's a connection to 'foofaraw'.

Or not.

David -- David L. Cassell mathematical statistician Design Pathways 3115 NW Norwood Pl. Corvallis OR 97330

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