Have you seen the phrase 'fee fi fo fum' somewhere and don't understand the meaning or context of what is being said – or for that matter, why? The saying 'fee fi fo fum' can have many implications, and the phrase comes from a popular fairy tale with many different adaptations. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'fee fi fo fum' is a common English saying that can have several implications, either humorous or threatening.
When the phrase 'fee fi fo fum' is said, it is a reference to bloodlust, or is meant to say that one person is in pursuit of another.
The phrase can be used as an equivalent to the exclamation, 'there will be trouble' and the meaning is considered to be the same.
The phrase 'fee fi fo fum' is used as joking or sarcastic most of the time.
Its origins as a fairy tale reference tones down the serious implications that the phrase might imply.
The phrase is never shortened for use, and just used as 'fee fi fo fum' in the most common form.
The phrase can be used with punctuation (e.g. commas), but is often used without and still carries the same meaning as a valid phrase.
The phrase contains almost childlike undertones and it's never used in a serious way, but is a common taunting reference that makes fun of the situation at hand, or the results of something.
Sometimes, though rarely, the phrase can be a reference to someone's size or weight. In the original fairy tale, it is used by a giant in pursuit of the main character.
Example Usage
“I couldn't believe that I won all five games of tennis and he walked away as the loser for the day. That's the first time, but it won't be the last. Fee, fi, fo, fum!”
“Fee fi fo fum! I bet your dad will know not to mess with us after I took his mom out on a date yesterday.”
“There's nothing that says let's eat all the cheeseburgers like your brother walking into any restaurant, like, ever. Fee fi fo fum, hat and all.”
“Fee, fi, fo, and fum! I'm going to walk in and eat every item on the menu if you're going to call it an all-you-can-eat dinner.”
Origin
The origin of the common phrase 'fee, fi, fo, fum' is given as originating from the English fairy tale Jack the Giant Killer, which has been adapted and translated more than almost any fairy tale in existence.
Alternatively, the story is given as Jack and the Beanstalk.
First use of the term is given as the 1700s when the story was first published: the phrase has remained almost unchanged throughout most translations and subsequent rewritings or adaptations of the story.
Modern adaptations of the story would give new credence to the phrase, and make it a more common sight as a pop culture reference.
The term has persisted in use, and has continued through the rise of social media websites in the 2010s where it has become common as a gaming-related taunt phrase directed at a losing opponent or group.
Phrases Similar to Fee Fi Fo Fum
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Phrases Opposite to Fee Fi Fo Fum
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What is the Correct Saying?
- Fee, fi, fo, fum
- Fee fi fo fum
Ways People May Say Fee Fi Fo Fum Incorrectly
The phrase 'fee fi fo fum' can be used in the wrong way by anyone who uses the phrase in the wrong context: if use of the phrase is not understood by who it is being said to, then the expression will lose some of its meaning.
For any languages that do not rely on a translation of the original story, the phrase might make no sense at all.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Fee Fi Fo Fum
Correct use of the phrase 'fee fi fo fum' is to use it as an exclamation or taunt, usually of a joking nature or with humorous implications.