The spelling of the phrase "fag end" may be confusing to some. The word "fag" is spelled with a "g" at the end, despite the fact that it is pronounced as "fæg" (/fæɡ/). Meanwhile, "end" is spelled phonetically, as it is pronounced with a short "e" (/ɛnd/). When combined, "fag end" refers to the last and least desirable part of something. So, while the spelling of "fag" may seem unconventional, it is important to remember its pronunciation in the context of this phrase.
Fag end is a colloquial term that primarily has two different meanings based on context:
Firstly, fag end refers to the last or trailing part of something, often connoting the ragged or inferior quality of that part. This definition can be applied to a variety of objects, such as a piece of fabric, a roll of film, or a spool of thread. In this sense, the term implies the remnants or leftovers that remain after the main or useful part has been used or consumed.
Secondly, fag end can also be used idiomatically to describe the extreme or final stage of something, often with a negative connotation. For example, it can refer to the tail end of an activity or event that is considered dull, boring, or inferior compared to what preceded it. In this usage, the term suggests the least desirable or least noteworthy portion of the overall experience.
The term fag end originated in Britain in the 19th century and is thought to have derived from the notion of cigarette butts or the remnants of a rolled tobacco cigarette's end. Over time, its usage has expanded beyond the literal meaning associated with tobacco to encompass a broader range of contexts.
The latter end of cloth; the refuse or inferior part of anything; the untwisted end of a rope; to fag out, to untwist; to loose.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "fag end" has its roots in Middle English and has undergone several shifts in meaning over time. The word "fag" originally referred to a leftover piece, often used to describe the small pieces of wood or fabric at the end of a log or cloth. It comes from the Old English word "fæg", meaning "a remnant" or "a broken piece".
In the 17th century, the term "fag end" became associated with the unfinished or unwanted part of a rope, as the fibers at the end of a rope were considered less sturdy and more likely to fray or unravel. This connection between "fag end" and ropes has been suggested as a possible explanation for the later use of the term to refer to the last part of a cigarette or cigar.