[Ads-l] Antedating of "Phoney"

Mon Aug 5 07:28:15 UTC 2019

Fred Shapiro, Fred wrote:
> phoney (OED 1893)
>
> 1892 _Daily Plainsman_ (Huron, S.D.) 11 Aug. 1/4 (Newspapers.com)
> This gang has succeeded in floating in the Twin Cities an immense amount
> of the finest work of "phoney" plates and molds ever seen by the officials.

Excellent citation, Fred. Here is a slightly earlier citation for
phony home-runs in March 1891. The word was placed between quotation
marks.

Date: 01 March 1891
Newspaper: The Cincinnati Enquirer
Newspaper Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Article: Base-Ball Gossip
Quote Page 2, Column 3
Database: Newspapers.com

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34577231/phonyhomeruns/

[Begin excerpt - double-check for errors]
There is now little doubt but what the
Chicago League team will next season play
on the park that was used last year by the
Chicago Brotherhood. The new park is
much larger than the old one, and there will
not be so many "phony" home-runs in Chi-
cago next season, as there are no real short-
field fences convenient.
[End excerpt]

Garson

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