by Teetburger November 29, 2011
Adjective. Comparative, fairer; Superlative, fairest
Original meaning is "beautiful", "elegant", "attractive". Derived from Old English "faeger" and Old Norse "fagr", and from proto-Germanic "fagraz" ("suitable", "fitting", "nice"). Applies to the weather as well as to physical beauty.
Since the nobility in England generally defined what beauty was, and since the nobility were pale because they were rich enough that they didn't have to work under the sun, "fair" took on the connotation of "pale" or "bright" in color; fair-haired, fair-skinned, etc.
Through loosening of the meaning of the word, "fair" also came to mean "just", "equitable", as in "a fair trial".
Original meaning is "beautiful", "elegant", "attractive". Derived from Old English "faeger" and Old Norse "fagr", and from proto-Germanic "fagraz" ("suitable", "fitting", "nice"). Applies to the weather as well as to physical beauty.
Since the nobility in England generally defined what beauty was, and since the nobility were pale because they were rich enough that they didn't have to work under the sun, "fair" took on the connotation of "pale" or "bright" in color; fair-haired, fair-skinned, etc.
Through loosening of the meaning of the word, "fair" also came to mean "just", "equitable", as in "a fair trial".
-A fair-minded, fair-haired fair maid proved that her heart, mind, and soul were as fair as her body.
-Ten dollars off of the usual price? Sounds fair.
-Ten dollars off of the usual price? Sounds fair.
by RuddyWriter July 8, 2015
if you don't particularly like someone and they chat to you all the time about their life you could simply reply with fairs to whatever they say. They would soon get the hint that your not exactly interested in whatever it is they have to say.
by Faye Smith March 13, 2011
While "to be fair" is oftentimes overused and misused, it does serve a legitimate role.
When someone makes too many partial assertions and you feel as though they are intentionally ignoring some aspect -- i.e. they aren't being fair -- then you can use the phrase to introduce your counterpoint.
"To be fair" is not intended to completely put down the other person's points. Rather, it simply sheds light on the opposing perspective that has been overlooked.
Ideally, the phrase should be used to highlight an equally valid counterpoint. If you fail to do this, then your point is "pointless," and it is better left unsaid.
When someone makes too many partial assertions and you feel as though they are intentionally ignoring some aspect -- i.e. they aren't being fair -- then you can use the phrase to introduce your counterpoint.
"To be fair" is not intended to completely put down the other person's points. Rather, it simply sheds light on the opposing perspective that has been overlooked.
Ideally, the phrase should be used to highlight an equally valid counterpoint. If you fail to do this, then your point is "pointless," and it is better left unsaid.
NOT correct usage:
"Hitler was an awful person"
"Well, to be fair, some of his art was pretty nice" -- this is not a valid counterargument. We're talking about two points of different proportions.
CORRECT usage:
"Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior! We should all worship him!"
"To be fair, many people have different beliefs from you, and we cannot prove/disprove what god is right or wrong. I respect your faith, you need to do the same to those around you." -- this highlights a big oversight in the original commenter, adding something meaningful to the conversation
"Hitler was an awful person"
"Well, to be fair, some of his art was pretty nice" -- this is not a valid counterargument. We're talking about two points of different proportions.
CORRECT usage:
"Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior! We should all worship him!"
"To be fair, many people have different beliefs from you, and we cannot prove/disprove what god is right or wrong. I respect your faith, you need to do the same to those around you." -- this highlights a big oversight in the original commenter, adding something meaningful to the conversation
by HuniSenpai January 11, 2020
To be fair is a phrase mostly used by people who make a living stealing oxygen from others. It serves no purpose other than to try to make their forthcoming statement sound more profound whereas it actually devalues everything that follows. Should be filed along with "Proactive", "At the end of the day" and "To be honest"
by Earl Barrett's Hair July 27, 2012
Friend 1: I just broke up with my gf
Friend 2: how come?
Friend 1: caught her banging this other dude
Friend 2: fairs
Friend 2: how come?
Friend 1: caught her banging this other dude
Friend 2: fairs
by In_need_of_autonumber February 1, 2019
slang for Renfaire or Renaissance Faire. It is a word usually used by cast, vendors, or regular visitors of a Renaissance Faire.
by Artemis201 January 4, 2012