New-fangled

Posted by Bob September 24, 2007In reply to New-fangled posted by William Cooper on September 24, 2007

What is the origin of the phrase, "new-fangled"?

Fangled is a word Shakespeare used, meaning newly-made. It's obsolete now, except as used in the phrase new-fangled.

It's from a Saxon word, according to Brewer:
A new-fangled notion is one just started or entertained. (Saxon. fengan, to begin.)