It is a term that once referred to a financial professional who was in difficulties and was first mentioned in writing by a certain architect and writer. Today, it may refer to a couple of Scandinavian bands and a dance position, but it's heard most often in a political context -- frequently after elections. What is it, who was the writer, and in which dance does it appear?

lanfranco

Just limping along on this one? Want a clue? Well, let's see: how you feel about cassoulet? Nov 20 06, 4:58 PM

peasypod

That just points me in the direction of Swan Lake... Nov 20 06, 5:17 PM

lanfranco

Only if the ballerinas have podiatric problems. Nov 20 06, 5:37 PM

bluestocking

Limping along? Cassoulet? Podiatric problems? The answer is "Lame duck." It's the name of a Finnish rock band and a Norwegian group. (Technically, the Norwegian group is "The Lame Ducks.") It's also a tango position. Thomas Mortimer explained this term, as well as "bull" and "bear," in his 18th century work "Every Man His Own Broker." Nov 22 06, 2:22 PM

lanfranco

Well, bluestocking, you've got the right answer, so you get 2/3 of the silver mace. I was actually looking for Horace Walpole, who according to a couple of online sites and a piece in the New York Times last Sunday was the first-known person to mention the term in print. Here's a reference site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lame_duck Nov 22 06, 5:24 PM

bluestocking

Mortimer's book was published in 1761, the same year that Walpole wrote his letter. I wonder which one was first? So far I haven't found a reference that gives the month in addition to the year. Nov 23 06, 9:26 AM