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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.

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used to
johng423
129 Posts
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1
2009/05/14 - 12:08pm
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Can someone tell me about the origin of the phrase "used to"? (In my area, this is usually pronounced "YU STU".)

It seems to refer to something in the past but implies that it no longer occurs. For example:
1. a repeated action: "We used to go there every weekend" (but no longer do so)
2. something of duration (perhaps a characteristic): "He used to be such a nice guy" (but no longer is)

johng423
129 Posts
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2
2009/06/18 - 5:08pm
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I thought surely someone would have some information to share about this. I was really hoping for a response...

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3
2009/06/18 - 6:28pm
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No help here on the origin. The Oxford English Dictionary cites its earliest example of the use of “use” in that way as far back as early 1300s. I'm not sure if you want the etymology of source languages, but I don't think that is what you mean.

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4
2009/06/19 - 7:58pm
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I don't know the origin of used to, but I do know a recipe for ewe stew.

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