Phrases their meanings and origins
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Nosam Derf
Vixen
Damocles
Frank Slide
K-TEL
tonker
Ragbru
Cadfael
Corky Ringspot
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Phrases their meanings and origins
Sat Oct 03 2015, 09:01
First topic message reminder :
Scot Free.
Meaning
Without incurring payment; or escaping without punishment.
Could this be the origin
Dred Scott was a black slave born in Virginia, USA in 1799. In several celebrated court cases, right up to the USA Supreme Court in 1857, he attempted to gain his freedom. These cases all failed but Scott was later made a free man by his so-called owners, the Blow family. Knowing this, we might feel that we don't need to look further for the origin of 'scott free'. Many people, especially in the USA, are convinced that the phrase originated with the story of Dred Scott.
Scot Free.
Meaning
Without incurring payment; or escaping without punishment.
Could this be the origin
Dred Scott was a black slave born in Virginia, USA in 1799. In several celebrated court cases, right up to the USA Supreme Court in 1857, he attempted to gain his freedom. These cases all failed but Scott was later made a free man by his so-called owners, the Blow family. Knowing this, we might feel that we don't need to look further for the origin of 'scott free'. Many people, especially in the USA, are convinced that the phrase originated with the story of Dred Scott.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 17 2016, 09:28
Point Percy at the porcelain
Meaning
Urinate.
Origin
The 'porcelain' is the lavatory bowl - Percy is the penis. Lavatory bowls are actually made from earthenware but 'Point Percy at the earthenware' doesn't quite have the same ring.
This is one of the numerous slang phrases related to sex or drinking coined by the Australian comedian Barry Humphries during the 1970s and onwards. Humphries' Barry McKenzie column in Private Eye contained a fictional account of the doings of 'Bazza' McKenzie - the role model for the later creation Crocodile Dundee. In 1972, the character was used as the lead in the film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, which contained a list of similar phrases:
Barry McKenzie (Barry Crocker):
Now listen mate, I need to splash the boots. You know, strain the potatoes. Water the horses. You know, go where the big knobs hang out. Shake hands with the wife's best friend? Drain the dragon? Siphon the python? Ring the rattlesnake? You know, unbutton the mutton? Like, point Percy at the porcelain?
Meaning
Urinate.
Origin
The 'porcelain' is the lavatory bowl - Percy is the penis. Lavatory bowls are actually made from earthenware but 'Point Percy at the earthenware' doesn't quite have the same ring.
This is one of the numerous slang phrases related to sex or drinking coined by the Australian comedian Barry Humphries during the 1970s and onwards. Humphries' Barry McKenzie column in Private Eye contained a fictional account of the doings of 'Bazza' McKenzie - the role model for the later creation Crocodile Dundee. In 1972, the character was used as the lead in the film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, which contained a list of similar phrases:
Barry McKenzie (Barry Crocker):
Now listen mate, I need to splash the boots. You know, strain the potatoes. Water the horses. You know, go where the big knobs hang out. Shake hands with the wife's best friend? Drain the dragon? Siphon the python? Ring the rattlesnake? You know, unbutton the mutton? Like, point Percy at the porcelain?
- tonker
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 17 2016, 11:28
"How's your arse for blackheads"?
meaning - hello! (a greeting)
origin - unknown!
"How's your belly for spots"?
meaning - a greeting. sometimes used as a reply to "How's your arse for blackheads"?
origin - unknown
meaning - hello! (a greeting)
origin - unknown!
"How's your belly for spots"?
meaning - a greeting. sometimes used as a reply to "How's your arse for blackheads"?
origin - unknown
- GuestGuest
Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 17 2016, 12:04
"Tipping the wink"
Giving someone a hint/tip/lead which could result in them having an unfair advantage over a colleague or friend.
He was bound to win, John "tipped him the wink"
Giving someone a hint/tip/lead which could result in them having an unfair advantage over a colleague or friend.
He was bound to win, John "tipped him the wink"
- Ragbru
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 17 2016, 15:30
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- GuestGuest
Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Mon Jan 18 2016, 12:02
"up the ante"
verb phrase :-
To raise the price, offer, sum in question, etc; increase; make a higher demand.
"I think I may up the ante to a cool fifty"
1970s+ - from the "ante" in poker, which gives one the right to take part.
verb phrase :-
To raise the price, offer, sum in question, etc; increase; make a higher demand.
"I think I may up the ante to a cool fifty"
1970s+ - from the "ante" in poker, which gives one the right to take part.
- K-TEL
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Mon Jan 18 2016, 18:38
That's not what my uncle reckons.

- Ragbru
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Mon Jan 18 2016, 18:52
and the Beeb are takin it as a complement.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 24 2016, 09:13
Man's inhumanity to man
Origin
This phrase, which is always used with a sense of regret, was coined by Robert Burns and used in his poem From Man was made to Mourn: A Dirge, 1785:
Man's inhumanity to man'Many and sharp the num'rous ills
Inwoven with our frame!
More pointed still we make ourselves
Regret, remorse, and shame!
And Man, whose heav'n-erected face
The smiles of love adorn, -
Man's inhumanity to man
Makes countless thousands mourn!
Origin
This phrase, which is always used with a sense of regret, was coined by Robert Burns and used in his poem From Man was made to Mourn: A Dirge, 1785:
Man's inhumanity to man'Many and sharp the num'rous ills
Inwoven with our frame!
More pointed still we make ourselves
Regret, remorse, and shame!
And Man, whose heav'n-erected face
The smiles of love adorn, -
Man's inhumanity to man
Makes countless thousands mourn!
- GuestGuest
Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Jan 24 2016, 11:26
No names no pack drill
Meaning - Say nothing and avoid repercussions.
Origin :-
Pack-drill was a punishment given to soldiers in the British Army, requiring them to undertake drill (exercise) in full uniform and carrying a heavy pack.
'No names, no pack-drill' is used to indicate that the names of those who have committed a misdemeanour will not be mentioned in order to spare them punishment.
Meaning - Say nothing and avoid repercussions.
Origin :-
Pack-drill was a punishment given to soldiers in the British Army, requiring them to undertake drill (exercise) in full uniform and carrying a heavy pack.
'No names, no pack-drill' is used to indicate that the names of those who have committed a misdemeanour will not be mentioned in order to spare them punishment.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Tue Jan 26 2016, 09:54
Quid pro quo
Meaning
Something given in return for a item of equivalent value - like tit for tat.
Origin
A Latin term meaning 'something for something' or 'this for that'. The idea is more commonly expressed in English as 'one good turn deserves another'. This has been in the language since at least 1654, as here in H. L'Estrange's The Reign of King Charles:
"One good turn deserves another."
'Quid pro quo' is in use in colloquial English but is also a legal concept in the area of trade or exchange of goods or services. A contract is said to be binding if it is quid pro quo, that is, if it involves an exchange of goods or services for something of comparable value, usually money.
It is often used to describe corrupt practise, where favours (notably political or sexual favours) are illicitly given in exchange for cash. that is, 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours'.
The 'turn' link with 'quid pro quo' was played on by the scriptwriters of the 1991 thriller movie 'The Silence of the Lambs', starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins as Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter:
Hannibal Lecter: Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center. Sounds charming.
Clarice Starling: That's only part of the island. There's a very, very nice beach. Terns nest there. There's beautiful...
Hannibal Lecter: Terns? If I help you, Clarice, it will be "turns" for us too. I tell you things, you tell me things. Not about this case, though. About yourself. Quid pro quo. Yes or no?
Meaning
Something given in return for a item of equivalent value - like tit for tat.
Origin
A Latin term meaning 'something for something' or 'this for that'. The idea is more commonly expressed in English as 'one good turn deserves another'. This has been in the language since at least 1654, as here in H. L'Estrange's The Reign of King Charles:
"One good turn deserves another."
'Quid pro quo' is in use in colloquial English but is also a legal concept in the area of trade or exchange of goods or services. A contract is said to be binding if it is quid pro quo, that is, if it involves an exchange of goods or services for something of comparable value, usually money.
It is often used to describe corrupt practise, where favours (notably political or sexual favours) are illicitly given in exchange for cash. that is, 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours'.
The 'turn' link with 'quid pro quo' was played on by the scriptwriters of the 1991 thriller movie 'The Silence of the Lambs', starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins as Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter:
Hannibal Lecter: Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center. Sounds charming.
Clarice Starling: That's only part of the island. There's a very, very nice beach. Terns nest there. There's beautiful...
Hannibal Lecter: Terns? If I help you, Clarice, it will be "turns" for us too. I tell you things, you tell me things. Not about this case, though. About yourself. Quid pro quo. Yes or no?
- Ragbru
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Tue Jan 26 2016, 11:48
Cui Bono
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Thu Jan 28 2016, 20:43
An albatross around one's neck
Meaning :-
A burden which some unfortunate person has to carry.
Origin :-
This phrase refers to lines from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
in which the eponymous mariner, who shoots an albatross, is obliged to carry the burden of the bird
hung around his neck as a punishment for and reminder of his ill deed.
Meaning :-
A burden which some unfortunate person has to carry.
Origin :-
This phrase refers to lines from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
in which the eponymous mariner, who shoots an albatross, is obliged to carry the burden of the bird
hung around his neck as a punishment for and reminder of his ill deed.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sat Jan 30 2016, 09:54
Go Off half cocked
Meaning
Speak or act prematurely.
Origin
half-cock Flintlock firearms have a 'cock' or striker mechanism, which is held in a raised, sprung position ready to discharge and make a spark to 'fire' the gun. These can be set at half-cock, when the gun is in a safe state, or at full-cock, when it is ready to be fired. A gun would only 'go off at half-cock' by mistake.
The term half-cock is as old as flintlock guns and appears in print from the mid 18th century; for example, in John Desaguliers' A course of experimental philosophy 1734–44:
"The gun being at Half-Cock, the Spring acts upon the Tumbler with more Advantage."
The earliest known citation of the phrase 'going off at half-cock' comes from London and Its Environs Described, 1761:
"Some arms taken at Bath in the year 1715, distinguished from all others in the Tower, by having what is called dog locks; that is, a kind of lock with a catch to prevent their going off at half-cock."

Meaning
Speak or act prematurely.
Origin
half-cock Flintlock firearms have a 'cock' or striker mechanism, which is held in a raised, sprung position ready to discharge and make a spark to 'fire' the gun. These can be set at half-cock, when the gun is in a safe state, or at full-cock, when it is ready to be fired. A gun would only 'go off at half-cock' by mistake.
The term half-cock is as old as flintlock guns and appears in print from the mid 18th century; for example, in John Desaguliers' A course of experimental philosophy 1734–44:
"The gun being at Half-Cock, the Spring acts upon the Tumbler with more Advantage."
The earliest known citation of the phrase 'going off at half-cock' comes from London and Its Environs Described, 1761:
"Some arms taken at Bath in the year 1715, distinguished from all others in the Tower, by having what is called dog locks; that is, a kind of lock with a catch to prevent their going off at half-cock."

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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Tue Feb 02 2016, 09:34
Jam tomorrow
Some pleasant event in the future, which is never likely to materialize.
This derives from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There,
1871, in which the White Queen offers Alice 'jam to-morrow':
jam tomorrow'I'm sure I'll take you with pleasure!' the Queen said. 'Twopence a week, and jam every other day.'
Alice couldn't help laughing, as she said, 'I don't want you to hire ME - and I don't care for jam.'
'It's very good jam,' said the Queen.
'Well, I don't want any TO-DAY, at any rate.'
'You couldn't have it if you DID want it,' the Queen said. 'The rule is, jam to-morrow and jam yesterday - but never jam to-day.'
'It MUST come sometimes to "jam to-day,"' Alice objected.
'No, it can't,' said the Queen. 'It's jam every OTHER day: to-day isn't any OTHER day, you know.'
'I don't understand you,' said Alice. 'It's dreadfully confusin
Some pleasant event in the future, which is never likely to materialize.
This derives from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There,
1871, in which the White Queen offers Alice 'jam to-morrow':
jam tomorrow'I'm sure I'll take you with pleasure!' the Queen said. 'Twopence a week, and jam every other day.'
Alice couldn't help laughing, as she said, 'I don't want you to hire ME - and I don't care for jam.'
'It's very good jam,' said the Queen.
'Well, I don't want any TO-DAY, at any rate.'
'You couldn't have it if you DID want it,' the Queen said. 'The rule is, jam to-morrow and jam yesterday - but never jam to-day.'
'It MUST come sometimes to "jam to-day,"' Alice objected.
'No, it can't,' said the Queen. 'It's jam every OTHER day: to-day isn't any OTHER day, you know.'
'I don't understand you,' said Alice. 'It's dreadfully confusin
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Feb 07 2016, 09:08
Laid out in Lavender
Prepared for burial. The phrase has also been used to mean 'show something in the best possible light'. There are also reports of its use as meaning 'to criticize or condemn'
The allusion is clearly to the practice of strewing lavender or other strong smelling herbs near dead bodies to mask their smell. The term was preceded by the much earlier phrase 'laid up in lavender'.
Prepared for burial. The phrase has also been used to mean 'show something in the best possible light'. There are also reports of its use as meaning 'to criticize or condemn'
The allusion is clearly to the practice of strewing lavender or other strong smelling herbs near dead bodies to mask their smell. The term was preceded by the much earlier phrase 'laid up in lavender'.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Wed Feb 10 2016, 09:16
Butter someone up
Meaning: To impress someone with flattery
Origin: This was a customary religious act in ancient India. The devout would throw butter balls at the statues of their gods to seek favour and forgiveness.
Meaning: To impress someone with flattery
Origin: This was a customary religious act in ancient India. The devout would throw butter balls at the statues of their gods to seek favour and forgiveness.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Thu Feb 11 2016, 10:04
'Up to snuff' originated in the early 19th century. In 1811, the English playwright John Poole wrote Hamlet Travestie, a parody of Shakespeare, in the style of Doctor Johnson and George Steevens, which included the expression.
"He knows well enough The game we're after: Zooks, he's up to snuff." &
"He is up to snuff, that is, he is the knowing one."
Was this referring to Corky I wonder. He is always up to stuff..er snuff
"He knows well enough The game we're after: Zooks, he's up to snuff." &
"He is up to snuff, that is, he is the knowing one."
Was this referring to Corky I wonder. He is always up to stuff..er snuff
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Thu Feb 11 2016, 12:28
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Thu Feb 18 2016, 09:49
Waiting in the wings
The expression refers to theatre productions where people wait for their turn to come on stage. The term wings refers to the backstage production area.
The phrase itself means in the background and available on short notice.
The expression refers to theatre productions where people wait for their turn to come on stage. The term wings refers to the backstage production area.
The phrase itself means in the background and available on short notice.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Feb 21 2016, 09:18
Peeping Tom
Meaning
A voyeur. A man who furtively observes naked or sexually active people for his own gratification.
The name comes from the legend of Lady Godiva's naked ride through the streets of Coventry, in order to persuade her husband to alleviate the harsh taxes on the town's poor. The story goes that the townsfolk agreed not to observe Godiva as she passed by, but that Peeping Tom broke that trust and spied on her.
Meaning
A voyeur. A man who furtively observes naked or sexually active people for his own gratification.
The name comes from the legend of Lady Godiva's naked ride through the streets of Coventry, in order to persuade her husband to alleviate the harsh taxes on the town's poor. The story goes that the townsfolk agreed not to observe Godiva as she passed by, but that Peeping Tom broke that trust and spied on her.
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Sun Feb 21 2016, 13:47
Hello peepers.



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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Fri Feb 26 2016, 09:02
Meat and two veg
Meat and two vegetables, that is, meat with potatoes and another vegetable, is a traditional English meal.
The term, in an allusion to the commonplace nature of this type of meal, has also been used metaphorically to denote an ordinary, run-of-the-mill offering. In the 20th century it has also been a jokey reference to male genitalia
- Corky Ringspot
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Fri Feb 26 2016, 10:28
^^^^
"What do you call your privates?"
"Tom, Dick and Harry. What do you call yours?"
"What do you call your privates?"
"Tom, Dick and Harry. What do you call yours?"
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Re: Phrases their meanings and origins
Fri Feb 26 2016, 10:31
Dropping a bollock.
Is that a Wiganism?
Is that a Wiganism?

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