Category Archives: Etymology

Dictionaries define “one trick pony” as a person or thing that is thought to be limited to only one single talent, capability, or quality; much like a pony that has been taught only one trick. But where does this phrase … Continue reading →

If you haven’t heard this phrase before, let me assure you we are not talking about sprinkling your cat’s food bowl with coins and dollar bills. “Putting money in the kitty” is a term often referring to putting money into … Continue reading →

It’s not uncommon to find someone saying “Pardon my French” after a tirade of less-than-dignified language. The classic movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off exemplifies its use when Bueller says: “Pardon my French, but you’re an asshole.” Why would anyone claim … Continue reading →

“My teacher absolutely flew off the handle today when I was 30 minutes late for class this morning…” We use the phrase “flying off the handle” to describe someone who has lost their temper and self-control, and has become so … Continue reading →

People who commit to something and then back out are referred to as “getting cold feet”. Although it can refer to any commitment where there is timidity or fearfulness causing backtracking, it is a popular slang term for people chickening … Continue reading →

When a celebrity or politician pops up in the news for their most recent escapades, it’s not uncommon to hear the media comment that these people are “in the limelight” yet again. They mean that they’ve got our attention, as … Continue reading →

“Stop beating around the bush and get to the point already!” is a commonly heard phrase. But why would talking around a subject be like beating around a bush of all things? What is the origin of beat around the … Continue reading →

Gobbledygook is one of my favourite words because it captures the feeling of the definition so well! It’s an onomatopoeic word describing language which is unclear and confusing, like a lot of of the impenetrable, bureaucratic jargon used in politics … Continue reading →

When we want to give someone the message that we dislike them, or are angry at them, we may give them the cold shoulder, where we treat them with coldness, indifference and disdain. So we know the meaning of cold … Continue reading →