[throwaway2331]

I thought this too, until I saw the pictures in the TFA.

They literally look exactly the same as people from our times.

Now I look at "1800s pictures" on some search engine's images, and they look completely different.

I'm gonna guess it's a mix of: doctoring/"touching up," camera, lighting, and cognizant angling/positioning of the people in question.

The candid shots look like people I would see on the street. While the stereotypical "1800s pictures" look like something I'd find on Instagram: completely alien to reality.

[Cthulhu_]

Yeah there's a number of people nowadays that will dress up in period dress, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Same with films set in those times, the wardrobe department does a great job and if they would record in period cameras you wouldn't be able to tell it's a 'modern' person.

[Croftengea]

TFA?

[tempodox]

“The fucking article”

[goodcanadian]

It's usually, "the fine article," but yours works, too.

[executesorder66]

No it's not usually "the fine article". That is just a euphemism.

TFA originates from RTFM, which stands for "read the fucking manual". And it is "fucking" and not "fine", because people would be frustrated by noobs not reading manuals.

[justsomehnguy]

It is always funny when people try to euphemism things to avoid obscene or scary ideas spoken out loud.

My pet peeve is a 'lottery factor', because even if a guy would win $$$m you still can at least try to talk to him. You can't talk to a bus factored person.

[zuminator]

While that's 100% correct as the origin of the acronym, it should be noted that using TFA doesn't necessarily imply any frustration or condescension. It may, but often or usually these days it really is just shorthand for "the article" and nothing more.

[goodcanadian]

RTFM was always, "read the fucking manual." In my experience, this is the first time I have seen TFA as anything other than "the fine article." YMMV.

[executesorder66]

And you don't see the obvious link between people saying RTFM! because someone didn't read the manual, and people saying "RTFA" or "it's in TFA" because people are writing comments on an article when they clearly didn't read it?

These acronyms are born out of frustration and not cordial conversation. Again using "fine" instead of "fucking" is just a euphemism. It is not the original nor correct phrase, and it doesn't make sense for it to be anything other than "fucking".

[hulahoof]

Or alternatively “the featured article” is common

[Croftengea]

I see, thanks! :)

[fifilura]

What a perfect example of https://xkcd.com/1053/

And the humility that it recommends.

Have a nice day!