Poodle Doodles

“Too many people still think of Liszt as a long-haired, pianistic poodle-faker, seducing aristocratic ladies with superficially glittering pieces that have more notes than substance,” said an article in The Daily Mail. Whatever you may think of Liszt’s music, what do you think of his poodle-faking? And what is a poodle-faker?

It’s defined as a man who seeks out the company of upper-status women to advance himself socially or professionally.The term originated in the British Army around 1900 and alludes to the attempts of young officers to insinuate themselves into the favor of influential women in the manner of a lap dog, or “poodle.” The poodle, from the German Pudel (puddle), is a breed developed to retrieve game from the water.

The Bard of Buffalo Bayou aspires to be a poodle-faker, and for many years he has led a dog’s life.

       A social-climbing noodle-baker

       Knows how to be a poodle-faker,

              And if a lady is loath      

              To plight him her troth,

       Somehow that dude’ll make her.