Follow-me-lads, subs. phr. (common).—Curls or ribands hanging over the shoulder; cf., Fr., suivez-moi-jeune-homme = ribbons flying behind a lady’s dress. Also Followers.
1872. Spectator. ‘Follow-me-lads’ are not in themselves very pretty, though, like any other fashion, they become the Princess, and they are exceedingly costly.
Follow on, subs. phr. and verb (cricket).—A team eighty runs behind the other in the first innings is obliged to follow on; i.e., to take to the wickets a second time. A run more, and it saves the follow on.
1891. Pall Mall Gazette, 5 Aug. ‘Notts. v. Surrey.’ The game, with a possible prospect of the follow-on, being saved.
Follow your nose! intj. phr. (streets’).—A retort on asking the way. The full phrase is, ‘Follow your nose, and you are sure to go straight.’
1620. Percy, Folio MSS., p. 462. He went to the sea syde, and ffollowed his nose.
1854. Notes and Queries, x., p. 66. In what collection of tales published in 1834 shall I find the tale entitled follow your nose?
Foo-foo, subs. (American).—A person of no account; an insignificant idiot; a poop (q.v.).
1837. A Glance at New York (in Bartlett). Don’t know what a foo-foo is? Well, as you’re a greenhorn, I’ll enlighten you. A foo-foo, or an outsider, is a chap that can’t come the big figure.
Fool, subs. (colloquial.)—A dish of gooseberries, boiled with sugar and milk. [Fr., groseilles en foule.] Also, a gull (q.v.).