The Business End

Hello, you have A Way with Words.

Ahoy! My name is Sean Raoufi, and I’m calling from New York City.

I am very curious about the phrase, the business end of blank, blank, blank. It seems like there’s a lot of options to choose from, but I’m curious where this phrase comes from originally, and I would love for you all to shine some light on this.

Were you on the business end of something that got you wondering? Something right in your eyes?

I think I’ve heard the phrase, you know, like the business end of a gun.

Right, right.

So, Sean, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s the part of something that does the business or fulfills its purpose. And as you suggested, it’s particularly used with a weapon or often a tool like the business end of a shovel. Often it’s used ironically or jokingly. It’s almost never absolutely serious, right? There’s a bit of tongue and maybe not tongue in cheek, but somebody is not quite serious or very formal when they use this expression.

Yeah, yeah. It’s a little wry, I would say.

That’s a great word for it.

Well, thank you. Yeah, the business end of a stick. I’ve also seen the business end of a snake, which would be the part that I’d like to. And a wasp. The business end of a wasp. That’s a common one.

Yes.

Do you two have a favorite business end of?

Well, given the field that we’re in, the business end of a microphone, the business end of a pen or a pencil.

That’s exactly what I was going to suggest.

Or in my case, the business end of a leash. That would be my dog that gets too interested in other dogs when we’re out walking.

With babies, the business end changes. So you have to be careful.

Sounds like a dog too.

Yeah, a dog too.

So, Sean, that’s pretty much it. There is one little extra little tidbit that I want to toss in here. There is a sense of business, which can mean troublesome action or bother or fuss. So, for example, if someone is giving you the business, Sean, that means they’re giving you the runaround or giving you a hard time. And that sense of business might be coming into play here in some people’s minds when they talk about the business end of anything.

Well, I’ve loved asking you guys this question. I’ve been the business end of this podcast or radio show for quite some time. And you guys are so playful and so curious. And I just love listening to you, too.

Oh, that’s nice.

Thank you for listening. We’re glad to have you along.

Yeah, it’s great to have you come on the air and play with us. We’ll call us again sometime. There’s so much happening in New York City. I’m sure you come up with language questions every day.

I will do just that.

All right. Take care of yourself and be well.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye, Sean.

Well, pick up your phone, dial our number, and speak into the business end. 877-929-9673.