By Foster Keebaugh
Common idioms emerge from a story or event but eventually lose their original reference and become figurative. The origins of these idioms that are commonly used have interesting or disturbing origins.
Mumbo Jumbo– This phrase is derived from the word “Maamajomboo” from the Mandinka people of West Africa where, when a dispute occurred between husband and wife. At night the husband would get one of his friends to dress as the “Mumbo Jumbo” which was a straw costume, who would beat the wife while screaming nonsense, hence where Mumbo Jumbo gets its meaning
Kill two birds with one stone– This adage comes from the 1600s referring to hunting birds with a slingshot where it was impossible to kill two birds with one stone. The original meaning was to satisfy two arguments with one answer where in truth in satisfies neither. However, today it means to solve two problems at once.
Don’t cry over spilled milk- This one comes from British historian and writer James Howell in “Paramoigraphy” in 1659. The phrase has had the same meaning since its conception but its phrasing has changed. At first, Howell said, “No weeping for shed milk” it was then adapted to “No use fretting over shed milk” Finally, it came to what it’s known as today, which is not to worry about past events that cannot be changed or are out of your control.
You reap what you sow- This adage originates from the New Testament of the Bible in Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows he will also reap.” This proverb says that a man will receive the same treatment that he shows to others.
Old Habits Die Hard – This idiom was popularized by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700s though the exact origin is unknown. This saying refers to the idea that it is hard to change one’s ways after a long time. For example, if a smoker is having trouble quitting they might say “old habits die hard.”
Beat Around the Bush– Nowadays, it means to talk about an issue while avoiding confronting the main argument. It originates from the European Middle Ages, where hunters would beat a bush with sticks to flush out small game.
Spill the Beans- This is connected to the Ancient Greek process of voting where two beans of different colors would be placed in a bowl to count votes. If someone “Spilled the beans,” then the votes would be prematurely revealed. The idiom holds a similar meaning today, “Spilling the beans” refers to revealing confidential information prematurely.
Rule of Thumb- This comes from 17 century England, where domestic abuse was allowed so long as the stick a husband used to beat his wife was no thicker than his thumb. The thumb was also a common way to measure at that time, hence the Rule of Thumb. Now, Rule of Thumb refers to any rough estimate not based on exact measurement
Pulling My leg– This phrase is believed to have originated from Scotland in the 17 century and meant to make a fool of someone. Today the phrase has similar meaning as it refers to tricking someone or making them look stupid.
Getting your Goat- this phrase originates from Victorian era horse-racing where goats would be used to calm and relax horses before races. Then, young rapscallions would steal the goats to unnerve the horses and ruin the horse betting. Today, it means to find a way to irritate someone or annoy them, an example is, “I know a way to get Michael’s goat.”
By the skin of your teeth- This phrase originates from the Bible in the Book of Job 19:20. It describes an event where Joseph escapes by the skin of his teeth, showing that he got away with nothing. Now, the phrase means to narrowly escape something.
