Tidbits
From Rod Redden
Anyone interested in life in Japan, check out my blog http://irishhighlander.blogspot.com/
Where did “________” come from ?
Us older people need to learn something new every day..
Just to keep the grey matter tuned up.
Here are some facts about the 1500s.
More will be added over time.
Just to keep the grey matter tuned up.
Here are some facts about the 1500s.
More will be added over time.
Where did "COLD ENOUGH TO FREEZE THE BALLS OFF A BRASS MONKEY" come from?
In days of cannon balls, they were stacked on a triangle base made of brass, this triangle was called a "brass monkey". When the tempetures got cold enough, the brass base would contract (shrink).... hence the cannon ball would fall off the base. Now you know the story behind the saying.
Submitted by Darrel Avery.
Submitted by Darrel Avery.
Where did "The Baby & Bath Water Saying" come from?
Interesting History.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water,
Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.
Last of all the babies.
By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water,
Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.
Last of all the babies.
By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"
Where did "Raining Cats and Dogs" come from?
Interesting History.
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.
It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals
(mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."
It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals
(mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."
Where did "Piss Poor" come from?
Interesting History.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot.
And then once it was full it was taken and sold to the tannery...
if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor".
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot...
They "didn't have a pot to piss in" and were the lowest of the low.
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature
isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
And then once it was full it was taken and sold to the tannery...
if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor".
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot...
They "didn't have a pot to piss in" and were the lowest of the low.
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature
isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Where did "The Wedding Bouquet" come from?
Interesting History.
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May,
And they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell,
Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
And they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell,
Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Now, whoever said History was boring!!!
So get out there and educate someone!
Share these facts with a friend.
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering,
'What the heck happened?'
“Smile”, it gives your face something to do!
So get out there and educate someone!
Share these facts with a friend.
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering,
'What the heck happened?'
“Smile”, it gives your face something to do!