Search
Listen on:
Follow me:
Search
Listen on:
Follow me:
Home » Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

Discussion Forum (Archived)

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Advanced Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
Search
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_TopicIcon
cool as a cucumber
Guest
1
2010/12/07 - 1:43pm
Print

How was the phrase "cool as a cucumber" derived?

Guest
2
2010/12/07 - 5:10pm
Print

Here's what the internet thinks: Online Etymology Dictionary

Guest
3
2010/12/08 - 2:54pm
Print

Reminded me of a phrase I often heard back in the Midwest, and often wondered about. It was cold there frequently (which is why I'm now in Arizona). That phrase was "cold as a witch's left tit [vulgar slang for teat]." The Online Etymological Dictionary was no help.

I guess I can understand the "witch" part, but why "left" aot "right?" Any ideas?

Guest
4
2010/12/08 - 3:08pm
Print

The left part was left out of the version I grew up with. Either one would do.

EmmettRedd
859 Posts
(Offline)
5
2010/12/08 - 3:11pm
Print

Heimhenge said:

I guess I can understand the "witch" part, but why "left" aot "right?" Any ideas?

With 52 of my 55 years being in Missouri, I never heard the "left" or the "right".

Emmett

Guest
6
2010/12/09 - 6:43am
Print

According to lore, the witch's teat was neither of the natural breasts, so right or left wouldn't strictly apply. It was a singular mark that could be found anywhere on the body, taken to be a supernatural sign left during the witch's dark initiation, and said to be used for various occult purposes.

Forum Timezone: UTC -7
Show Stats
Administrators:
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Moderators:
Grant Barrett
Top Posters:
Newest Members:
A Conversation with Dr Astein Osei
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 1
Topics: 3647
Posts: 18912

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 618
Members: 1268
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Most Users Ever Online: 1147
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 88
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)

Menu

Recent posts