THE ORIGIN OF PHRASES - a cranky re-run

THE ORIGIN OF PHRASES
This Monday's rerun is from May 2011
Once again, I think I've mellowed since 2011
 

There are many phrases which we use every day.  We know what they mean, but what is their derivation?  The derivation of many phrases is obvious.  The derivation of some is completely different from what most people believe, and the derivation of others is a mystery; until now.

Spin a yarn –

          Definition – to tell a story, often embellished.

Derivation – When women made yarn from wool it was done with a spinning wheel.  As they spun their yarn they often told stories and gossiped.  Eventually the telling of stories was associated with “Spinning a yarn.”

The whole nine yards –

          Definition – The whole thing, go all the way.

          Derivation – In 1924, Notre Dame was playing Army for the national football championship.   With eight seconds left to play, Notre Dame was behind by three points; the ball was on the Army nine.  When asked if he was going to try to kick a field goal for the tie, Coach Knute Rockne said, “Let’s just go for the whole nine yards.

Pissed off –

          Definition – Very angry

          Derivation – The Pizdoff family of Scranton Pa. was noted for their lack of composure.  One day a stranger in town noticed Mrs. Pizdoff arguing violently with her husband.  The stranger asked a local what was the argument all about.  The local replied, “oh, it’s nothing, there just Pizdoffs.”

Fuck you –

          Definition – Go to Hell!

          Derivation – Someone got a really bad lay.

The cat’s pajamas –

          Definition – The best, the ultimate.

          Derivation – From the roaring twenties, nobody knows, nobody cares, and nobody ever uses this expression except to describe a zoot suit.

Dumb as a stump –

          Definition – Someone is really stupid.

          Derivation – Most people believe this refers to a tree stump not being very smart.  Actually it originally came as a reference to an Akron Ohio resident who was known to be the stupidest man in Ohio; Thomas A. Stumb.

Smart as a whip –

          Definition – Pretty fucking smart.

          Derivation – Ever been hit with a whip?  It Fucking SMARTS!

Did a Trionfo –

          Definition – Acted like a really big prick.

          Derivation – OK, this is a bit colloquial, but if you knew the guy, you would understand!

The real McCoy –

          Definition – The actual thing.

          Derivation – The real Goldblatt just never caught on.

He’s got a bug up his ass –

          Definition – He is very irritated.

          Derivation – Come on, it’s a BUG UP YOUR ASS!! That would make anyone act like a Pizdoff.