_Derivation of the Word "Humbug"_ (Vol. viii. _passim_).--Not being
satisfied with any of the derivations of this word hitherto proposed in
your pages, I beg to suggest that perhaps it may be traced to a famous
dancing master who flourished about the time when the word first came into
use. The following advertisement appeared in the _Dublin Freeman's Journal_
in Jan. 1777:
"_To the Nobility._
"As Monsieur Humbog does not intend for the future teaching abroad
after 4 o'clock, he, at the request of his scholars, has opened an
academy for young ladies of fashion to practise minuets and cotillions.
He had his first assembly on Friday last, and intends continuing them
every Friday during the winter. He does not admit any gentlemen, and
his number of ladies is limited to 32; and as Mrs. Humbog is very
conversant in the business of the Toilet Table, the ladies may depend
on being properly accommodated. Mr. Humbog having been solicited by
several gentlemen, he intends likewise to open an academy for them, and
begs that those who chuse to become subscribers will be so good as to
send him their addresses, that he may have the honour of waiting upon
them to inform them of his terms and days. Mr. Humbog has an afternoon
school three times a week for little ladies and gentlemen not exceeding
14 years of age. Terms of his school are one guinea per month and one
guinea entrance. Any ladies who are desirous of knowing the terms of
his academy may be informed by appointing Mr. Humbog to wait upon them,
which he will do on the shortest notice. Capel St. 21 Jan. 1777."