A curious dictionary of everyday English

Every odd phrase has
a story to tell.

Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.

725 curious expressions
409 source-backed entries
855 research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.

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Cut of your jib

Your characteristic appearance, manner or style, especially as the basis of a first impression. Informal and nautical in flavour. It can signal…

Meaning & origin

Barking mad

Completely irrational, wildly unreasonable, or apparently out of touch with reality. A strong informal expression. It is less harmful when aimed at a…

Meaning & origin

Language has legends. Evidence matters.

Colourful story or documented history?

Phrase origins are full of irresistible myths. We separate what historical sources can show from what remains disputed, and link the references behind researched entries.

How we research phrases