A curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the moment
Speaking seriously or accurately rather than idly boasting, with emphasis that a claim has real substance behind it. Often best avoided in neutral modern prose because 'Dixie' evokes blackface minstrelsy…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
Obnoxious, faulty, badly behaved, or forever interfering. Obscure and dated Regional use: United States.
Meaning & originCompletely useless, being neither practical nor even decorative. When applied to a person it is blunt and potentially…
Meaning & originTo wait and gauge the situation, testing the drift.
Meaning & originTurn an unavoidable or unwelcome situation to advantage, or accept it with good grace. Can mean either gaining an advantage…
Meaning & originAn outdoor party in a secluded place, often involving underage drinking. Current regional term, often in policing or…
Meaning & originWith great energy, force or aggression, as in working, arguing or attacking without restraint. Usually modifies a vigorous…
Meaning & originDoing great or riding high, all luck.
Meaning & originWith every available means and the greatest possible determination, energy or ferocity. Usually follows fight, battle, resist…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.