Theos-Talk Archives (April 2005 Message tt01630)

Cass asked:
<< Although off topic, it would be interesting to know how the word fag 
for cigarette came into usage. I know that in the UK/Australia, the use 
of the word, fags, was commonly used for cigarettes. Do you want a fag, 
do you have any fags etc? up until, probably 20 years ago, when the 
cigarette companies made the cigarette a fashion item. We, even some to 
this day, will call english people, "pome". I do know that this refers 
to "prisoners of mother england", but is generally meant affectionately. >>

Though it is off topic, I left it on the list, because other people 
might be interested in my search results.

I did a quick web search and found a few details

faggot = bundle of sticks

fag = short for "fag end" having the more specific meaning of "cigarette 
butt"

fag-end = the last bit or remainder of anything, it comes from the verb 
fag which means droop, decline, fall off, tire, etc.

fagged out = exhausted

faggots = firewood sticks

compare "fagged out" with "burned out" - so could be logical

Hope this helps a bit. It was interesting to do a quick search.

My biggest source was
http://p098.ezboard.com/fwordoriginsorgfrm10.showMessage?topicID=18.topic
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