Linguistics: Origins of English Phrases?

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Ever wondered why Mr. Burns from The Simpsons answers the phone with "ahoy hoy"? Or what grim practices in Victorian England have to do with phrases we use today? This episode promises a captivating journey through the stories and historical quirks behind familiar expressions like "ahoy hoy," "Saved by the Bell," and "dead ringer." We also share a humorous tale about a bar in Seattle with a clever nod to AC Slater from Saved by the Bell as we explore these linguistic gems.
Join us as we uncover the intriguing legend of Josh Tatum, a deaf-mute from Boston who allegedly took advantage of a design flaw in the 1883 Liberty Head nickel to amass a small fortune. From coal miners pranking their peers with toilet cart chains to medieval practices of giving guests a cold piece of shoulder meat, our episode is packed with fascinating anecdotes that reveal the surprising origins of everyday phrases like "don't yank my chain" and "giving someone the cold shoulder."
We also delve into the darker theories behind expressions such as "cat's got your tongue," discussing the brutal practices of the English Navy and ancient Egyptian royalty. Throughout the episode, we entertain whimsical ideas for band names and reflect on how certain sayings become ingrained in our culture while others fade away. With a light-hearted yet informative tone, we wrap up with warm wishes for our listeners, leaving them with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the colorful history of the English language.

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Chapter

1. Linguistics: Origins of English Phrases? (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Origins of English Phrases (00:00:49)

3. Exploring Origins of English Expressions (00:14:39)

4. Origins of Common English Phrases (00:25:06)

5. Origin of Catchy English Phrases (00:30:16)