Oxford English Dictionary: Philip Responsible For Term 'Blue-Arsed Fly'

by Tom Sykes Oct 5, 2012 5:53 AM EDT

Prince Philip has long been known for his outrageous statements, and now he is to get a phrase of his own coining attributed to him in the new edition of the Oxford English Dictionary.

The latest edition of the OED will say that Prince Philip introduced the term 'blue-arsed fly', after he was recorded using the term to abuse a photographer in 1970.

The Times reported the Duke's use of the phrase when he was on a royal tour of Australia with the queen on April 21 1970.

Their reporter wrote: The Duke of Edinburgh, apparently annoyed by a large group of reporters and tourists, asked a photographer if he was getting enough pictures. "I hope so, sir." the photographer replied. "You should do," the Duke said, "You have been running around like a blue-arsed fly."

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.