queer fish
English
Etymology
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "British" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈkwiːɹˌfɪʃ/
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
queer fish (plural queer fish)
- (dated, chiefly British) An odd or eccentric person.
- 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 54:
- To these people, native and European, he was a queer fish, but they were used to queer fish, and they took him for granted; the world was full of odd persons, who did odd things; and perhaps they knew that a man is not what he wants to be, but what he must be.
- 1974 April 21, Vincent Canby, "Movie Review: The Conversation," New York Times (retrieved 24 Feb 2014):
- Harry is a queer fish indeed. He is suspicious of everybody and everything.
- 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 54:
Synonyms
- odd fish, strange fish, weirdo; see also Thesaurus:strange person