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Was there really a person named Tom Foolery where was that term developed?

Question #138975. Asked by endoverend.
Last updated Jan 18 2015.
Originally posted Jan 17 2015 11:47 PM.

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looney_tunes star
Answer has 4 votes
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looney_tunes star
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Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, Tomfoolery refers to the behaviour expected from a tom-fool, described as:

tom-fool (n.) "buffoon, clown," 1640s, from Middle English Thom Foole, personification of a mentally deficient man (mid-14c.), see Tom + fool (n.).

The term Tom was used to describe a generic Everyman, much as John Doe is used for a person of unknown identity.

link http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=tomfoolery&searchmode=none
link http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=tom-fool&searchmode=none

Jan 18 2015, 2:38 AM
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