Origins of Sayings
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It has always intrigued me and would love to hear your old sayings and where they originated. One I learned while reading a book was Son of a Gun. Officers in the Navy around 1800s would often sneak wives aboard even though it was against rules. When the wives were in labour permission was asked to fire the guns as it was believed loud noises would help the birth along. Hence Son of a Gun was born along with the saying. Obviously daughters didn't count back then!
Another one is 'money for old rope' because hangman used to sell off lengths of the rope used to hang notorious murderers.
An even more gruesome one is the saying 'pulling your leg ' or pull the other one. Hanging was not quick and during public hangings, if the person took too long to die someone might pull on their legs to speed them on their way.
Dead ringer supposedly originates from so many unfortunate people being buried alive unknowingly so they would attach a string to the wrist with a bell on the other end on top of the grave. I imagine it may have been too late by the time anyone heard it !
Just remembered another one now that Christmas is over, a new spin on what to do with leftovers. In medieval times they celebrated for the whole 12 days and the nobility dined in style mostly on deer and stags they hunted. The horrible bits like ears, nose, offal etc (known as the humbles) were baked in pies and at the end of the feasting were distributed to the poor. This then became the saying 'eating humble pie'.
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