Comments on: Origins of Familiar Phrases http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/ The Neat Side of the Web Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:34:59 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Jerry http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-1860721 Jerry Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:07:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-1860721 I believe that the origin of the common text messaging 'lmmfao' - meaning 'laugh my mother f***** a** off' - originally came from me, approximately 10 or so years ago, when I still had dial-up, and I've been using it in chatrooms and everything. I had never seen anyone else use it until I had been for about 4 months. Then people started catching on. Although, who knows. Maybe there's a particular origin for 'Laugh My A** Off' too. I believe that the origin of the common text messaging 'lmmfao' - meaning 'laugh my mother f***** a** off' - originally came from me, approximately 10 or so years ago, when I still had dial-up, and I've been using it in chatrooms and everything. I had never seen anyone else use it until I had been for about 4 months. Then people started catching on.

Although, who knows. Maybe there's a particular origin for 'Laugh My A** Off' too.

]]> By: thuo kariuki http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-1845512 thuo kariuki Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-1845512 Very interstingexpecialy the pegion and the trattor. Very interstingexpecialy the pegion and the trattor.

]]> By: Joanne Mullen http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-1839924 Joanne Mullen Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:29:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-1839924 As has been pointed out, when a batsman is out for no score in Cricket he scores a 'duck'. The phrase 'lay an egg' just doesn't exist in Cricket at all. The French used to cut the first two fingers from English archers, therefore the English would give the French the 'V' sign to show their defiance. In Britain the 'V' sign is used to show aggressive intent, not 'flipping the bird'. As has been pointed out, when a batsman is out for no score in Cricket he scores a 'duck'. The phrase 'lay an egg' just doesn't exist in Cricket at all.

The French used to cut the first two fingers from English archers, therefore the English would give the French the 'V' sign to show their defiance. In Britain the 'V' sign is used to show aggressive intent, not 'flipping the bird'.

]]> By: Atari http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-735274 Atari Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:08:37 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-735274 What is interesting is that, while reading, I was thinking, "This is a load of malarkey" on many of them. (Such as the middle finger one) Then I began reading the comments and, at the same time, nodding my head in recognition. The comments about the middle finger is MUCH more understandable and believable than the one in the article. Good job of that. What is interesting is that, while reading, I was thinking, "This is a load of malarkey" on many of them. (Such as the middle finger one)

Then I began reading the comments and, at the same time, nodding my head in recognition. The comments about the middle finger is MUCH more understandable and believable than the one in the article.
Good job of that.

]]> By: Lanika http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-726986 Lanika Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:46:40 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-726986 Actually, to "read between the lines" is atributed to medieval copy of books - annotations and comments on the meanings and interpretations of the lines of religious text copied were inserted - guess where - between the lines of the principal text copied. Actually, to "read between the lines" is atributed to medieval copy of books - annotations and comments on the meanings and interpretations of the lines of religious text copied were inserted - guess where - between the lines of the principal text copied.

]]> By: Jamie http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-726874 Jamie Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:01:13 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-726874 In reference to the 'long in the tooth' one - horse's gums don't recede, their teeth actually continue to grow throughout their lives. In reference to the 'long in the tooth' one - horse's gums don't recede, their teeth actually continue to grow throughout their lives.

]]> By: Mandy` http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-726379 Mandy` Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:25:44 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-726379 Raining cats and dogs acually refers to the time when (because roofs were made of hay, and they didn't have 2 story houses) cats and dogs snuggled up on the roofs of houses, and when it rained torrentially the cats and dogs would slide off the roof and fall to the ground. Raining cats and dogs acually refers to the time when (because roofs were made of hay, and they didn't have 2 story houses) cats and dogs snuggled up on the roofs of houses, and when it rained torrentially the cats and dogs would slide off the roof and fall to the ground.

]]> By: Jon G http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-725899 Jon G Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:19:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-725899 actually a lesser known origin of the finger, which probably made it popular, is in the 14th and 15th century when France and england were at war, the French, when they captured an English archer, used to cut off their middle fingers so they couldn't use their bow anymore, so whenever a Englishman passed by a Frenchman, the middle finger was shown as to say, "look, I still have my middle finger, you stupid SOB" or something along those lines. actually a lesser known origin of the finger, which probably made it popular, is in the 14th and 15th century when France and england were at war, the French, when they captured an English archer, used to cut off their middle fingers so they couldn't use their bow anymore, so whenever a Englishman passed by a Frenchman, the middle finger was shown as to say, "look, I still have my middle finger, you stupid SOB" or something along those lines.

]]> By: shugster http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-723689 shugster Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:57:51 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-723689 This article is mostly a pile of piss. 'Lay an egg' - never heard of it, but have heard 'out for a duck' plenty. Was going to comment on more, but it is too late tonight. Never once heard the speaker shout 'toe the line' though. This article is mostly a pile of piss.

'Lay an egg' - never heard of it, but have heard 'out for a duck' plenty.

Was going to comment on more, but it is too late tonight.

Never once heard the speaker shout 'toe the line' though.

]]> By: Jtpost http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-723143 Jtpost Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:43:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-723143 Regarding the above posting - excuse my slip; I meant "pears" of course, not pairs. For more examples of rhyming slang, see Brophy and Partridge. Regarding the above posting - excuse my slip; I meant "pears" of course, not pairs.

For more examples of rhyming slang, see Brophy and Partridge.

]]> By: Jtpost http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-722994 Jtpost Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:55:57 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-722994 The "put up your dukes" entry is incomplete. Working-class Englishmen in London used a form of code known as rhyming slang. Examples: Apples & pairs = stairs, plates of meat = feet. Often the rhyming phrase was shortened, thus "titfor" became slang for "hat," because it was an abbreviated version of "tit for tat." In this argot, "Duke of Yorks" was rhyming slang for "forks" (a jokey usage, as hands are made to serve as forks when one is down on 'is luck). In this way, "Duke of Yorks" was shortened to "dukes." The "put up your dukes" entry is incomplete. Working-class Englishmen in London used a form of code known as rhyming slang. Examples: Apples & pairs = stairs, plates of meat = feet. Often the rhyming phrase was shortened, thus "titfor" became slang for "hat," because it was an abbreviated version of "tit for tat." In this argot, "Duke of Yorks" was rhyming slang for "forks" (a jokey usage, as hands are made to serve as forks when one is down on 'is luck). In this way, "Duke of Yorks" was shortened to "dukes."

]]> By: Craig http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-722680 Craig Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:28:42 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-722680 Yeah, the stool pigeon one and the cats and dogs one would be disturbing, if they were true. Yeah, the stool pigeon one and the cats and dogs one would be disturbing, if they were true.

]]> By: Ty! http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-720994 Ty! Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:32:50 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-720994 I agree with gibson8or, the stool pigeon one is depressing, and so is the raining cats and dogs one. Great stuff, though. I agree with gibson8or, the stool pigeon one is depressing, and so is the raining cats and dogs one. Great stuff, though.

]]> By: JC http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-719189 JC Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:52:10 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-719189 Thanks for the link Angstrom. Thanks for the link Angstrom.

]]> By: gibson8or http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-719098 gibson8or Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:23:58 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-719098 I find the stool pigeon one depressing... I find the stool pigeon one depressing...

]]> By: Jill Harness http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-718469 Jill Harness Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:49:36 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-718469 Thank you so much, I love this post. Thank you so much, I love this post.

]]> By: Polx http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-717602 Polx Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:16:01 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-717602 Toe the Line. Actually this is from Naval Boxing. Two big sailors in the royal navy thunderign punches into each other and easch one of them had to keep his toes on his line. You had to keep your toes on the line or lose. You had to toe the line Toe the Line.

Actually this is from Naval Boxing.

Two big sailors in the royal navy thunderign punches into each other and easch one of them had to keep his toes on his line.

You had to keep your toes on the line or lose.

You had to toe the line

]]> By: jaress http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-717529 jaress Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:55:35 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-717529 “Balls to the wall” supposedly refers to pushing the throttle levers of an airplane (which are topped by ball-shaped handles)fully forwards (against the wall of instruments and controls), which is the max power position. Actually, much older than that, I've heard - ever look at an old steam engine? That bell shaped thing on the top? Inside of that are two balls that spin out to the wall of the bell, which pushes a lever to reduce the steam pressure, topping off the speed of the train - thus balls to the wall means all out, top speed for the train. “Balls to the wall” supposedly refers to pushing the throttle levers of an airplane (which are topped by ball-shaped handles)fully forwards (against the wall of instruments and controls), which is the max power position.

Actually, much older than that, I've heard - ever look at an old steam engine? That bell shaped thing on the top? Inside of that are two balls that spin out to the wall of the bell, which pushes a lever to reduce the steam pressure, topping off the speed of the train - thus balls to the wall means all out, top speed for the train.

]]> By: astrodex http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-716966 astrodex Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:58:06 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-716966 Poor General Hooker. He was, allegedly, a ladies man but was not responsible for the term "hooker." However, the Massachusetts State House has an entrance named after him. The result is many signs with arrows leading you to the "General Hooker Entrance." I guess specialized hookers use a separate entrance. Poor General Hooker. He was, allegedly, a ladies man but was not responsible for the term "hooker." However, the Massachusetts State House has an entrance named after him. The result is many signs with arrows leading you to the "General Hooker Entrance." I guess specialized hookers use a separate entrance.

]]> By: bean http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-716593 bean Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:33:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-716593 That's a nice big pile of fail. The term hooker has a Dutch origin, just like cookies. Hoek (pronounced like our 'hook') is the Dutch word for a corner, and hoekers would be people who spend all their time on street corners... such as prostitutes. That's a nice big pile of fail. The term hooker has a Dutch origin, just like cookies. Hoek (pronounced like our 'hook') is the Dutch word for a corner, and hoekers would be people who spend all their time on street corners... such as prostitutes.

]]> By: Angstrom http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-716471 Angstrom Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:10:59 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-716471 if you like etymology and phrase origins with a smattering of verisimilitude then I recommend http://www.worldwidewords.org/ if you like etymology and phrase origins with a smattering of verisimilitude then I recommend
http://www.worldwidewords.org/

]]> By: Neatoramawontsendmeapassword http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-716294 Neatoramawontsendmeapassword Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:36:44 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-716294 What do you expect from something you're supposed to read while sitting on the crapper? What do you expect from something you're supposed to read while sitting on the crapper?

]]> By: Craig http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715998 Craig Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715998 Uncle John's Bathroom Reader is like an encyclopedia of old wives' tales and urban legends. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader is like an encyclopedia of old wives' tales and urban legends.

]]> By: Craig http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715995 Craig Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:28:38 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715995 Interesting list, but I'd be willing to bet that most (if not all) of those are false. Interesting list, but I'd be willing to bet that most (if not all) of those are false.

]]> By: Nikolas Schiller http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715968 Nikolas Schiller Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:22:18 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715968 Following up on Juan Motaim's comment, the term "Hooker's Division" is actually a geographic location in Washington, DC. The Library of Congress has an old map showing that the area had over 100 Bawdy-houses and 50 saloons. It got its name because Hooker's soldiers were stationed there during the civil war. I placed the map over its contemporary geography in Google Earth to show how close it was to the White House and to point out that most of the business owners at that time were female. You can view it <a href="http://www.nikolasschiller.com/blog/index.php/archives/2007/12/09/1207/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Following up on Juan Motaim's comment, the term "Hooker's Division" is actually a geographic location in Washington, DC. The Library of Congress has an old map showing that the area had over 100 Bawdy-houses and 50 saloons. It got its name because Hooker's soldiers were stationed there during the civil war. I placed the map over its contemporary geography in Google Earth to show how close it was to the White House and to point out that most of the business owners at that time were female. You can view it here.

]]> By: reyalpdemannu http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715657 reyalpdemannu Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:25:04 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715657 "Chew The Fat" actually means to make steampunk stuff. "Chew The Fat" actually means to make steampunk stuff.

]]> By: Nicholas Dollak http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715540 Nicholas Dollak Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:07:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715540 Re: "Let the cat out of the bag" --- The less-frequently used expression "to buy a pig in a poke" comes from the same con game. I know a couple of people who bought electronics at public auctions or yard sales without testing them first, only to discover that they were broken. They could be said to have bought a pig in a poke. Re: "Lay an egg" --- The term "love," when used in the game of tennis, comes from the same etymology, but a different language. The French slang for "zero" is "goose egg" or simply "the egg" (en francais, "l'oeuf"). To an English-speaking tennis opponent not up on their French, a call of "L'ouef!" sounds a lot like "Love!", and thus... Re: "Let the cat out of the bag" --- The less-frequently used expression "to buy a pig in a poke" comes from the same con game. I know a couple of people who bought electronics at public auctions or yard sales without testing them first, only to discover that they were broken. They could be said to have bought a pig in a poke.

Re: "Lay an egg" --- The term "love," when used in the game of tennis, comes from the same etymology, but a different language. The French slang for "zero" is "goose egg" or simply "the egg" (en francais, "l'oeuf"). To an English-speaking tennis opponent not up on their French, a call of "L'ouef!" sounds a lot like "Love!", and thus...

]]> By: SoLo http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-715065 SoLo Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:28:38 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-715065 A couple more: "Costing an arm and a leg" apparently refers to pre-photographic portraiture. Each additional limb that was to appear in the painting of the individual(s) would add to the cost of the painting. "Balls to the wall" supposedly refers to pushing the throttle levers of an airplane (which are topped by ball-shaped handles)fully forwards (against the wall of instruments and controls), which is the max power position. A couple more:

"Costing an arm and a leg" apparently refers to pre-photographic portraiture. Each additional limb that was to appear in the painting of the individual(s) would add to the cost of the painting.

"Balls to the wall" supposedly refers to pushing the throttle levers of an airplane (which are topped by ball-shaped handles)fully forwards (against the wall of instruments and controls), which is the max power position.

]]> By: ted http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-714711 ted Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:20:34 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-714711 Ah, there's the rst of Neatorama, waaaay down there. Ah, there's the rst of Neatorama, waaaay down there.

]]> By: Some Guy http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/comment-page-1/#comment-714560 Some Guy Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:47:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/07/origins-of-familiar-phrases/#comment-714560 A flash in the pan doesn't refer to musketry, comes from gold prospecting; specifically, panning for gold. When you swirl the dirt and gravel around in a pan, sometimes you see flakes of gold, but other times you think you do, but it turns out to just be a flash in the pan. A flash in the pan doesn't refer to musketry, comes from gold prospecting; specifically, panning for gold. When you swirl the dirt and gravel around in a pan, sometimes you see flakes of gold, but other times you think you do, but it turns out to just be a flash in the pan.

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