A kindergartener misunderstands the name of an event at his school, insisting to his mother that he attended a pepper alley, not a pep rally. Let’s hope that’s the case, because pepper alley is actually 19th-century boxing slang for being peppered...
Why do we call a frankfurter a hot dog? It seems an unsettling 19th-century rumor is to blame. Also, if someone quits something abruptly, why do we say they quit cold turkey? This term’s roots may lie in the history of boxing. Plus, a transgender...
When you quit something abruptly, you’re said to quit cold turkey. This expression’s origin is unknown although its earliest recording uses are from 19th-century boxing. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Cold Turkey Origins” Hello...
cutie n. a boxer willing to take, and capable of withstanding, a lot of blows; an unrefined or unorthodox boxer who relies on tricks. Etymological Note: Perhaps from the idea of a “good chin,” meaning the boxer can take a beating to the face without...
tomato can n. an inferior boxer. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
