In years past, I read discussions in linguistic journals which suggested that that F* began life as slang for Fornicate. The words Fornicate and Furnace have a similar origin. When I mention (to no one in particular) that California means Hot Furnace and that it shares its origin with F*, a few heads turn or eyes roll. Judith Bailey Gabor To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html