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OBSCURE ORIGINS OF COMMON AND NOT SO COMMON PHRASES

Where do out of date, out of fashion phrases and old sayings go?  Why, they end up in Pbenjay’s blog!  How I happen to pick one to research its origin is often a function of watching an old movie.  Those of you who really know me, know that the other adult (male)in the house has control of the remote and although we have 400 channels, he only wants to watch whatever movie is on TCM.  So every now and then I hear a phrase that I heard growing up (and had forgotten).

Little Shaver – Refers to a young child or baby.  The origin is unknown, however this was a popular term used right up through the early ’50’s.  Usually the “little shaver” was a young boy and the term means he’s a little “chip” or “shaving” , as in “off the old block”. The Old Block being the parents.  Nice to be thought of as a block of wood!

Nose out of joint – This dated saying is used to describe someone who is upset, possibly offended.  It’s origin is its use in a book  by Barnaby Rich, who wrote His Farewell to Militarie Profession in 1581.  The line is: “It could bee no other then his owne manne, that has thrust his nose so farre out of ioynte.”  I never really thought of my nose as having a joint.  If it does, could you get arthritis in your nose?  MMmmmm…..