>> I know "torch" means "flashlight" over in Britain.
>> But for a moment, I
>> had this ghastly image of women examining themselves
>> with welders'
>> oxycetylene torches going full blast.
>
>
> And "fag" means cigarette, and "faggot" means wood or
> charcoal for grilling. (the American "faggot" comes
> from this, via "flaming.")
This isn't quite accurate. There are a few different explanations of the origins of the American meaning of "faggot", but in all cases, the American "faggot" comes from the original "faggot", not via "flaming." Here are some of the theories:
http://www.takeourword.com/Issue033.html http://www.fortunecity.com/village/birdcage/279/faggot.html http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfaggot.html
Peace, scott.