Talk:fox

I wanted to amplify 'fox' with the definition and etymology for the discolouration on paper. Wikipedia gives the definition as from (F)errous (Ox)ide, but I havent found any other source for this etymology, and must therefore regard it as suspect? Does anyone know if it is correct? Andrew massyn

I'm reasonable sure that is means fox-coloured. SemperBlotto 15:16, 2 April 2006 (UTC)


 * The OED, 2nd edition, has only one etymology for the verb "fox" (deriving it from the noun "fox", which also has just one etymology). One of the meanings of the verb is given as: "trans. To discolour (the leaves of a book)." Similarly on www.etymonline.com, which states: "Foxed in booksellers' catalogues means "stained with fox-colored marks." Ncik 16:51, 2 April 2006 (UTC)

Thanks all Andrew massyn 20:36, 2 April 2006 (UTC)


 * I would, btw, mention this commonly-given derivation as unsupported by sources in the etymology section, to keep well-meaning souls from trying to add it later. —Muke Tever 22:36, 2 April 2006 (UTC)

From RFC
I think pronunciation boxes are discouraged here now, right? Also, the third definition says "Short form of fox terrier." To me, that means that a fox is a short form of a fox terrier, but I suspect its author meant to say that the word "fox" a short form of the word "fox terrier", right? Rod (A. Smith) 03:59, 20 June 2006 (UTC)


 * I suppose. I’ve had fox terriers. Wonderful dogs, but I’ve never heard them referred to as foxes. —Stephen 04:18, 20 June 2006 (UTC)

Attractive woman?
Is this just gender defined to woman, I've heard it used about men before, like the expression. "silver fox". If no one can give me evidence to the contrary I will change the entry to a more gender ambigous one. Maddam 12:58, 1 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Yes, I’ve heard it used to refer to men as well as women, as in "he’s a fox", meaning attractive and well dressed.