harum scarum

[sardith]

I am still reading 'Little Women' and saw the expression, 'harum scarum', which I investigated on the net, understand this word's possible genesis, thanks to reading a few years of Dr. Goodword's columns, but I'd really like the good doctor's take on it, nonetheless. Unless I have mis-searched, it has not yet had a good going over.

Come on, let's give it a go!

Thanks for all of the great columns, DGW!
Sardith

[MTC]

Whatever else "harum scarum" is, it is also the title of a forgettable 1965 film/spoof starring Elvis and Mary Ann Mobely in which Elvis "Brings the Big Beat to Baghdad." History has cast those once innocent words in a lurid light.

[sardith]

MTC,

I must have missed that one, thankfully, I take it, from the tone of your post. (Guess I won't look it up on NetFlix.)

[MTC]

Please don't let me stop you. One man's meat is another man's (or woman's) poison.

[sardith]

That's all right. I'm not a fan of Elvis and his gyrational pelvis!

Hey, wait a minute...'gyrational'...now that's a good word for 'ya! Oh, Dr. Goodword

Sardith