Phraseologisms are a mysterious thing. Their origins are rarely remembered. So, behind the ridiculous expression "filkin literacy" is a tragic episode in the history of Russia.
The meaning of a phraseological unit becomes clearer if you know the history of its origin. Then the familiar expression "sparkles" with new facets, and its use in speech will be more appropriate. The turnover of "filkin literacy" is no exception.
The meaning of phraseological units
According to the dictionary of phraseological units, it is customary to denote a document drawn up illiterately, incorrectly, and having no real force by the expression "filkin literacy".
The expression contains the name Phil (Filka). It is interesting that this was the name for a stupid, narrow-minded person. This meaning is reflected in the well-known word "simpleton", i.e. just Filya, not some important bird to be reckoned with. It is clear that such a person cannot publish documents, his words have no meaning.
In the dictionaries of Dahl and Ushakov, we also find that "philya" is a synonym for a stupid, narrow-minded person, a simpleton. In Tver dialects this word means "fig".
But why exactly Filya, and not Vasya or Fedya?
Historical roots of phraseological units
There is a version that the origin of the expression "filkin literacy" and the derogatory meaning of the name Phil go back to the times of Ivan IV (the Terrible
(1530- 1584)
Metropolitan Philip of Solovetsk
(1566 - 1569)
he dared to go against the Tsar's will and did not agree to become, as the autocrat wanted, the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia until the oprichnina was abolished. The king, however, insisted on his own, elevating Philip to the rank and forcing him to give a written promise not to interfere in the personal affairs of the royal court and the oprichnina.
But Philip was not officially forbidden to ask for those who became victims of the oprichnina arbitrariness, and he sent letters to the tsar in which he tried to open Ivan's eyes to what his faithful "dogs" were doing.
Terrible, who did not tolerate criticism and was encouraged by the guardsmen themselves, was displeased. The conflict flared up more and more, and in his hearts the tsar called Philip's petitions for those offended by "phony letters" - meaningless, empty pieces of paper that should not be paid attention to. However, he used a derogatory version of the name Philip - Filka. So they called only the one for whom there is no respect and reverence.
