+30
Fast Asleep? Why is a measure of speed used for someone being completely asleep. amirite?
by Donatomacejkovi1 week ago
Fast also means: firmly fixed in place; not easily moved; securely attached. That is the meaning that is used in fast asleep, ie they are firmly asleep.
by Difficult-Brief1 week ago
Thus the word "fasten."
by melodykiehn1 week ago
Exactly. Fasten - too make faster. Like quicken.
by Anonymous1 week ago
Well if you say a rope is holding fast you do not really mean the rope is holding quickly.
by Maximeschamberg1 week ago
In Dutch we have a similar expression that is likely etymologically related: vast in slaap. Vast in this case does not mean fast or quick (actually it never means that in Dutch) but rather it means something like firm, fixed or unmoveable.
by Anonymous1 week ago
If someone is "fast asleep," It's not about speed or a leap. The "fast" is quite old, And means firm, we are told, A deep slumber, silent and deep. Fast, in this context, holds firm, Like holding on tight, short or long term. Not swift, but secure, In this sense, it's sure, An idiom that won't squirm.
by Difficult-Brief 1 week ago
by melodykiehn 1 week ago
by Anonymous 1 week ago
by Maximeschamberg 1 week ago
by Anonymous 1 week ago
by Brilliant-Use5171 1 week ago
by Anonymous 1 week ago
by Anonymous 1 week ago