Unusual origins of everyday expressions that will surprise you
Ever found yourself in a 'pickle' or 'under the weather'? Our everyday language is packed with odd expressions that, upon closer inspection, have bizarre and fascinating origins. Let's dive into the unknown tales behind these common phrases!
Let's begin with 'in a pickle.' This phrase, implying one is in some sort of trouble, hails from 17th-century Dutch. 'In de pekel zitten' directly translates to 'sitting in the pickle brine,' suggesting a troubling state of preservation. It was popularized in English by Shakespeare in 'The Tempest,' revitalizing the quirky Dutch usage in an English context.
Another favorite is 'under the weather.' Today, we use it to indicate illness or general malaise, but its origin is steeped in nautical history. Sailors, during rough seas, would often go below deck to escape harsh conditions—literally going
Let's begin with 'in a pickle.' This phrase, implying one is in some sort of trouble, hails from 17th-century Dutch. 'In de pekel zitten' directly translates to 'sitting in the pickle brine,' suggesting a troubling state of preservation. It was popularized in English by Shakespeare in 'The Tempest,' revitalizing the quirky Dutch usage in an English context.
Another favorite is 'under the weather.' Today, we use it to indicate illness or general malaise, but its origin is steeped in nautical history. Sailors, during rough seas, would often go below deck to escape harsh conditions—literally going