Steve from Wilmington, North Carolina, wonders about a phrase his mother used: “Everybody to their taste,” said the old lady as she kissed the cow, meaning “Different things appeal to different individuals.” It’s an example of a Wellerism, a joking...
Lisa in Wilmington, North Carolina, remembers her grandmother using the expression who struck John to mean “confusion,” “foolishness,” or “bad behavior.” A common variant is “who shot John.” No one’s sure who John was, but this phrase is predated by...
Alicia from Wilmington, North Carolina, says she grew using the word allow to mean “say” or “declare.” Sometimes rendered simply as ’low, this expression has been used since at least the 18th century. Another form meaning “to admit” is allow as how...
Claire from Wilmington, North Carolina, wants to know the origin of the phrase “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” She heard a story she heard about the saying having to tightening ropes that support mattresses, which is not the origin...
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-News (Wilmington, North Carolina) Apr. 15...
melt n.— «Typically, university officials expect about 9 to 10 percent of students to change their minds and go elsewhere—a process known as “melt”—before school starts.» —“UNCW to house students in hotel” by Veronica Gonzalez StarNewsOnline...
