As we know, the English language is loaded with old sayings, idioms and slang phrases that are spoken on a regular basis to convey particular concepts or ideas.
Here’s a look at another handful of old sayings and where they might have originated.
Take for granted.
A familiar expression that means “to accept without question or objection,” often accompanied by a lack of appreciation or gratitude.
Back in the 1300s, the verb “grant” meant “to admit to be true,” or “to acknowledge.” That definition still exists, because when someone says, “I’ll grant you that,” they’re acknowledging they think you’re correct about something.
“Take for granted” appeared in the 1600s meaning “to consider true without requiring proof.”
Fair and square.
Following a game or other form of competition, someone might say the winner defeated the loser this way.
The phrase became common in the early 1700s, combining the meanings of “fair” (just and equitable) and “square” (honest and straightforward). It emphasizes honesty and integrity in actions, and “above board” participation.
Oopsie daisy (or oopsy daisy).
A term commonly used to indicate a minor mistake or accident, often in a lighthearted or playful manner.
Its origins can be traced back to the 1800s, with the term “oops” being a variant of “whoops,” a common exclamation used when there’s been a small blunder.
The addition of “daisy” is thought to have been influenced by children’s language and the nursery rhyme realm, where playful and whimsical phrases are common.
The expression is often used in incidents involving children, especially as a way of conveying nothing serious has happened when they fall or experience some sort of mishap.
Daisy chain.
As is well known, this term refers to a series of interconnected things or events.
It can be traced back to the mid-1800s and originates from the practice of linking together daisy flowers to create a chain or garland.
Licked ’em.
It’s not uncommon to hear someone utter this phrase when referring to a team defeating another in a sporting event.
It comes from a Latin term that can be traced to ancient Rome. The word “licks” (as in “get your licks in”) refers to being beaten with rods that were carried and administered by the “lictors.”
Licking chops.
Of course, your dog or cat might do this when they’re done eating something.
The origin of the phrase is pretty simple: Chops has carried the meaning of jaw or mouth since the 1400s.
Chop chop.
When someone says this, they usually want someone else (or maybe a pet) to hurry up and do something.
It originated in the early 1800s when English sailors interacting with Chinese workers in the South China Sea adapted the Cantonese word, “kwai-kwai” (which means “hurry”), and modified its pronunciation to the now familiar pidgin English version.
Tuckered out.
When a person feels this way, they’re very tired or weary.
Turns out there isn’t a guy named Tucker involved, but instead the phrase comes from the old English root “tuck” which means “punish or torment.” I guess the connection stems from the idea that if you work hard all day, or somehow punish your body with strenuous activity, you are naturally going to be “tuckered out.”
The sayings’ use in American vernacular can be traced back to the New England region in the early 1800s.
Butter me (or someone) up.
As we know, if someone says, “you’re just trying to butter me up,” they’re saying someone else is trying to smooth something over, convince them of something or make them more agreeable to a request.
The term likely originated in about 1600 and stems from a religious custom in India of throwing balls of clarified butter (ghee) at statues of gods to seek favor, hopefully ensuring good harvests, peace and other blessings.