Talk:filch
Latest comment: 3 years ago by Equinox in topic Etymology
Is it worth stating (and is it accurate) that filching connotes petty theft? RJFJR 16:46, 10 March 2008 (UTC)
Done. — SMUconlaw (talk) 08:36, 27 November 2016 (UTC)
Etymology
[edit]John Camden Hotten's Slang Dictionary (1873) has some further etymological notes, though they might be inaccurate: "Originally a cant word, derived from the FILCHES, or hooks, thieves used to carry, to hook clothes, or any portable articles from open windows.—Vide Decker. It was considered a cant or gipsy term up to the beginning of the last century. Harman has 'FYLCHE, to robbe.' Probably from 'FILICHI,' Romany for a handkerchief." Equinox ◑ 04:50, 16 May 2021 (UTC)