The phrase “don’t cabbage that,” meaning “don’t steal that,” may derive from the old practice of tailors’ employees taking scraps of leftover fabric, which, gathered up in one’s hands, could resemble a...
In an earlier episode, we discussed visual signals used in deafening environments such as sawmills. One signal, developed in a textile mill, was holding up both hands, fingertips up and palms out, miming a gesture of pushing. That pushing motion...
Those soft felt hats that folks like the guy on the Quaker oatmeal box wear? They’re called wide-awakes. The etymology of this term is actually a pun–a reference to the fact that they’re made out of smooth material that has no nap...
A listener from Dallas wonders about the origin of “I don’t cotton to,” meaning “I’m not in favor of” or “I don’t get along with.” Though it sounds like a classic Southern phrase, Martha traces...
carpet planting n.— «The Garden’s Cocos used “carpet planting” as another term for the pincushion gardens, because of their intense, dense planting.» —“Victorian garden steps into heyday” by Janice...
snag golf n.— «Future duffers are being taught through physical education classes at the schools using Velcro balls and targets in what is called snag golf.» —“Golfers in training” by Ginny Peterson Star...