fag end of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fag end of" is correct and usable in written English, though it may be considered informal or colloquial.
It is typically used to refer to the last part or remnants of something, often implying that it is of lesser value or quality. Example: "After all the excitement, we were left with the fag end of the discussion, which was rather dull."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I am in the fag end of my life.

The New York Times

This latest seizure of iron ore may represent the fag end of a dying criminal enterprise.

The Economist

All that was a long time ago, in the fag end of aristocratic country house politics.

The Guardian

At the fag end of August, newspapers fell on the story like starving vultures.

The Guardian

Smith eventually made an appearance at 8.45am, towards the fag end of the show.

The Guardian

Can they step it up in the fag end of the second?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's dark and cold and you have that stomach-tightening, fag-end-of-the-weekend, work-in-the-morning feeling.

The Guardian - Arts

We marvel at the fag-end-of-Britpop aura of Chelsea's Blue Day, a song that makes Northern Uproar seem like musical visionaries.

The Guardian - Music

More bowing and scraping, that's what we need at the fag-end of empire.

Independent

In the fag-end of its 12-year reign, Labour has lost even core supporters.

The Economist

It was the fag-end of what Tom Wolfe christened the "Me Decade".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is coming to an end. For example, "the fag end of the project" is clearer than simply "the fag end".

Common error

Avoid using "fag end of" when a more neutral term is appropriate. While it isn't inherently offensive in this context, its informal nature and the potential for misinterpretation warrant careful consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fag end of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate the final or concluding part of something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of the phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fag end of" is a common idiom used to describe the final or less desirable part of something. While grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts, it carries a slightly informal tone. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable but suggests considering the audience and context to avoid potential misinterpretations due to the word "fag". Alternatives like "tail end of" or "final stages of" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tail end of

Replaces "fag end" with a more neutral term for the concluding part.

latter part of

A simple and direct way to refer to the end of a period.

final stages of

A more formal way to refer to the concluding phase.

end stage of

A clinical-sounding phrase that can refer to the terminal point of something.

waning period of

Focuses on the decline or decrease associated with the end.

remnants of

Highlights what is left over at the end of something.

dying days of

Emphasizes the finality and approaching end of something.

closing chapter of

Suggests the concluding part of a story or period.

last vestiges of

Highlights the few remaining traces of something that is disappearing.

final throes of

Implies a struggle or difficult ending.

FAQs

What does "fag end of" mean?

The phrase "fag end of" refers to the last, often less desirable, part or remnants of something.

Is "fag end of" offensive?

While "fag" can be offensive in other contexts, "fag end of" is generally understood to mean the last part of something. However, be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation, and consider using a more neutral alternative like "tail end of".

What can I say instead of "fag end of"?

You can use alternatives like "tail end of", "waning period of", or "final stages of" depending on the context.

How can I use "fag end of" in a sentence?

You can use "fag end of" to describe the final portion of something, such as "At the fag end of the meeting, we discussed the budget".