David Ritchie writes: '"Tams," by the way, are Scottish hats, "Tam O'Shanters") which I now repost to save you the trouble of looking it up--what is the origin of "pom poms," the things cheerleaders wave? ...' Ouch, David, you're hurting me. Pom poms are rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns and the like: remember the tracers going out from the aircraft carriers being attacked by kamikazes in WWII? Them. A pom _pon_ is 'an ornamental tuft or ball of yarn, feathers, silk, or the like, worn on a hat or dress, on shoes, or on a costume. ' I know, I know--usage with its muddy sneakers has smudged the distinction, but it's one my mother fought for during her years as a high school English teacher, and I am charged with upholding it. (Apres moi: Babel.) Robert Paul The Reed Institute ------------------------------------------------------------------ To change your Lit-Ideas settings (subscribe/unsub, vacation on/off, digest on/off), visit www.andreas.com/faq-lit-ideas.html