Who knows English? Part 1

During my years of speaking English (beginning in the distant past) I’ve often used phrases without always knowing their origins. So to soothe my curiosity and perhaps inform others, here are some explanations.

“Going to hell in a handbasket.” For many years I thought that this involved a shopping basket and buying too many groceries or maybe a storage bin with too much junk. But I’ve learned that the phrase came from the 1840s California Gold Rush. Men were lowered by hand into mining shafts in metal baskets to set explosives, a job which could have deadly consequences. On the other hand (or head) the origin of the phrase has been debated. Its usage could be dated to the baskets used to catch guillotined heads in the 18th century. In either case, I would not like to be around either type.

“This too shall pass.” Although many think the phrase is biblical, it is not found in the Bible, contrary to popular belief. But the concept of impermanence is present in various wisdom traditions stemming from a Persian adage and a story of King Solomon. In one version he was given a ring with the phrase inscribed to offer him perspective in times of triumph and sorrow. It was popularized in the Western world by English poet Edward FitzGerald’s retelling of a Persian fable, “Solomon’s Seal,” in 1852.

“Shell out.” Most know the meaning is to pay or spend money, often reluctantly. My mind-twisting research found that it dates back to around 1800. It originated from the literal action of shelling or removing peas, seeds and nuts from their outer pods or husks. Thus, it serves as a metaphor for removing tightly held money from a pocket or wallet. As well, in history I found that in the early days of this country, some natives used shells as a type of currency.

“Low man on the totem pole.” Some have thought that being near the bottom denotes low esteem. However, the lowest, eye-level figures are often given the most prestige for bearing the weight and foundation of the entire pole. This is not to minimize the tops of such poles that often feature important figures like watchmen that symbolize protection, even animals like the eagle to represent courage and prestige. In a sort of muddied perspective overall, these interpretations vary widely by region and clan.

“Raining cats and dogs.” One explanation is that this adage is from mythology linked to Norse folklore. Odin, the god of storms, was often depicted with dogs and wolves, which symbolized wind. And cats were sometimes associated with heavy rain by sailors. And from that, it’s raining cats and dogs. Cool, eh? Additionally, the upshot is that the comment likely came from a Greek corruption said to be a mishearing of the Greek phrase “cata doxa,” meaning contrary to experience or belief and therefore used to describe unbelievably heavy rain. Whichever you want to believe, I’m glad that the sky does not deliver cats and dogs with rain.

“The whole nine yards.” This is an American idiom meaning the entire amount or the full extent of something. It implies giving 100 percent, taking all available options or including every single detail, usually to describe going above and beyond. While often associated with World War II ammunition belts, the precise origin is said to be unknown. The most popular theory seems to be based on the 9-yard ammunition belts on WWII fighter planes or even 9 yards of fabric for a kilt or the sails on a three-masted ship. I vote for the ammo belts.

Ah, the English language and how she is spoken.