It means, essentially, f*** all, and though it sounds delightful, it has a dark historical origin: Fanny Adams was a real person, a child who was murdered and dismembered in 1867; she was nicknamed “Sweet Fanny Adams” during her murderer’s trial and execution because of her youth and innocence. Not long after, the Royal Navy introduced tinned meat rations, which the sailors referred to as Sweet Fanny Adams, a reference to the crime. Eventually, Moore writes, “the expression spread into wider use as meaning something of little or no value, and was commonly shortened to Sweet FA. In modern usage the phrase has become crossed with another, more impolite FA, which also means ‘absolutely nothing.’”
The Sweet personified the Glam Rock era of the 1970s in the UK, showcasing their distinctive glitter and glam makeup. Beyond their iconic visual style, The Sweet also wielded significant influence in the realm of pure rock music. Their timeless hits continue to resonate, and the present lineup, featuring the main man himself, guitarist Andy Scott, consistently leaves audiences clamoring for an encore!