2007-02-17 10:32:09 · 7 answers · asked by ubiquiton 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
In the poem L'Allegro by John Milton, published in 1645, a similar phrase appears, which seemingly refers to the dance-like gracefulness of the goddess Mirth:
Come, and trip it as ye go,
On the light fantastic toe.
And in thy right hand lead with thee,
The Mountain Nymph, sweet Liberty;
The term "trip" in this passage means to step lightly or nimbly. The adjectives "light and fantastic" refer to the movement of the feet (toe, or dance step).
2007-02-17 10:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by Catie I 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To "trip the light fantastic" is to dance nimbly or lightly, or to move in a pattern to musical accompaniment.
The phrase is typically attributed to Milton's poem L'Allegro, but a somewhat similar phrase appears in Shakespeare's The Tempest.
2007-02-17 18:39:02 · answer #2 · answered by violetb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the phrase is "tripping the light fantastic" and it means to dream.. dancing as if in a dream.. enjoying the moment.
and for the record, this phrase has absolutely NOTHING to do with the 70's.. I would know, I was there.. This phrase goes WAY back beyond that.
2007-02-17 20:19:05 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Tripping the light fantastic" means to dance.
2007-02-17 18:34:54 · answer #4 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its tripping the light fantastic not night, its a saying from the 70's ...disco balls and strobe lights and drugs lol
2007-02-17 18:42:11 · answer #5 · answered by jojo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It must mean danceing in the dark.
2007-02-17 18:36:54 · answer #6 · answered by Beejee 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
getting high!
2007-02-17 18:40:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋