Friday, October 22, 2010

Odd phrases and words

Ever wonder the original meaning of specific phrases, or how they have changed over time? For example:
  • passing the buck: a poker phrase - a pocket knife (a buck) was passed around from person to person to indicate who was to deal.
  • twilight - twi means "two, double or doubly." Twilight is the time of two lights (sunset and moon/stars).
Discover more interesting phrases and idioms
  • The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms (online)
  • American talk : where our words came from by Dillard (print)
  • A hog on ice and other curious expressions by Funk (print)
  • and many more

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