Beside this, where did the term hunky dory come from?
The least exotic theory of all, but almost certainly the true clue, traces "hunky-dory" to the archaic American slang word "hunk," meaning "safe," from the Dutch word "honk," meaning "goal," or "home" in a game. To achieve "hunk" or "hunky" in a child's game was to make it "home" and win the game.
Additionally, where does the expression son of a gun come from? The phrase originated as 'son of a military man' (that is, a gun). The most commonly repeated version in this strand is that the British Navy used to allow women to live on naval ships. Any child born on board who had uncertain paternity would be listed in the ship's log as 'son of a gun'.
People also ask, what does the phrase hunky dory mean?
If events or situations are hunky-dory, they are very satisfactory and pleasant: You can't lose your temper one minute and then expect everything to be hunky-dory again the next. Synonym. fine. Informal words for good.
Where did the term right as rain come from?
The allusion in this simile is unclear, but it originated in Britain, where rainy weather is a normal fact of life, and indeed W.L. Phelps wrote, “The expression 'right as rain' must have been invented by an Englishman.” It was first recorded in 1894.
Related Question Answers
Why do we say for Pete's sake?
"For Pete's sake" originated as a substitute for "for Christ's sake," and other similar expressions. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "for Pete's sake" came into use more than a century ago and prompted similar sayings such as "for the love of Pete" in 1906 and "in the name of Pete" in 1942.Where does the expression Heavens to Betsy come from?
Origin of Heavens to Betsy The origins of this expression are unclear. It may have originated sometime between the years 1850 and 1914. Heavens to Betsy is another variation of the phrase for Heaven's sake, which began as a euphemism for what some considered the blasphemous for God's sake and for Christ's sake.What does the saying Heavens to Betsy mean?
Heavens to Betsy. Q From Mark Lord: I am looking for the origin and meaning of the phrase Heavens to Betsy. A The meaning is simple enough: it's a mild American exclamation of shock or surprise. It's dated, only rarely encountered in print and then most often as an evocation of times past.Why do Americans say rain check?
To politely refuse an invitation or offer, Americans say they'll "take a rain check." Originally, the phrase had a more literal meaning. In the late 19th century, a rain check was a special pass issued to baseball ticket-holders in instances of inclement weather.Where did beat a dead horse come from?
The origin of the expression 'beat a dead horse' comes from the mid-19th century, when the practice of beating horses to make them go faster was often viewed as acceptable. To beat a dead horse would be pointless, as it wouldn't be able to go anywhere.What does I'll be doggone mean?
adjective. informal North American attributive. Used to express feelings of annoyance, surprise, or pleasure. 'now just a doggone minute'Why do we say clean as a whistle?
The Phrase Finder summarizes several origin theories, including: the old simile describes the whistling sound of a sword as it swishes through the air to decapitate someone, and an early 19th century quotation does suggest this connection: 'A first rate shot. (his) head taken off as clean as a whistle.What does Larry mean in English?
Meaning: "Laurel crowned" "From Laurentum, Italy" Larry is a masculine given name in English, derived from Lawrence or Laurence. It can be a shortened form of those names.Is hunky dory healthy?
Whether it's a delicious grilled fillet of Salmon or Whiting, Greek or spinach salad and a healthy serve of brown rice, there's something for everyone. Our menu provides many healthy options such as simply grilled fish and wholesome salads to create a perfectly balanced meal. At Hunky Dory, you're part of the family.Are you hunky dory?
If events or situations are hunky-dory, they are very satisfactory and pleasant: You can't lose your temper one minute and then expect everything to be hunky-dory again the next.What does the phrase tickety boo mean?
tickety-boo adjective fine, correct, in order, satisfactory. Originally military; a variation of 'ticket', as in just the ticket (correct), with Hindu [Hindi, —ed.] tikai babu (it's all right, sir) UK 1939. The proper Hindi phrase is ??? ??? ???? /theak hai, babu/ (Okay, Sir) —ed.What does the idiom son of a gun mean?
Definition of son of a gun. —usually used as a mild or euphemistic alternative to son of a bitch —sometimes used interjectionally to express surprise or disappointment.What does no hanky panky mean?
Hanky-panky is sexual activity between two people, especially when this is regarded as improper or not serious. [humorous, informal] Does this mean no hanky-panky after lights out? Synonyms: sex [informal], sexual activity, lovemaking, nookie [slang] More Synonyms of hanky-panky.What does the expression Sam Hill mean?
Sam Hill is an American English slang phrase, a euphemism or minced oath for "the devil" or "hell" personified (as in, "What in the Sam Hill is that?"), the "Sam" coming from salmon(sal(o)mon an oath) and "Hill" from hell.Where did the phrase Sam Hill come from?
Surveyor in Michigan: A possible origin for the phrase "Sam Hill" is the surveyor Samuel W. Hill (1819–1889), associated with the Keweenaw Peninsula area. Hill allegedly used such foul language that his name became a euphemism for swear words.Why do they say scott free?
The expression 'Scot-free' originates from the Scandanavian word, 'Skat,' which means “tax” or “payment.” The word mutated into 'scot' as the name of redistributive taxation meant to provide relief to the poor during the 10th century.Is Son of a gun a bad word?
Son of a gun. Son of a gun is an exclamation or a noun in American and British English. It can be used encouragingly or to compliment, as in "You son of a gun, you did it!"Why do they say 40 winks?
Definition: To take a brief nap. The phrase to catch forty winks means to take a short nap. This idiom first became popular during the 19th century and originated in Britain. A slight variation of this phrase, to take forty winks, still carries the same meaning.What does Cat got your tongue?
Definition of cat got your tongue —used to ask someone why he or she is not saying anything"You've been unusually quiet tonight," she said.Is Son of a Gun true story?
'Son of a Gun', the debut feature of Pemberton-born director Julius Avery is hitting cinemas this week. The film is a fast-paced crime thriller starring Ewan McGregor, and is set mostly in Western Australia. Avery said the story is inspired by events from his own life.What does Holy Smoke mean?
Definition of holy smoke. informal. —used to say that one is very surprised, pleased, or excitedHoly smoke!Why do we say fit as a fiddle?
Of course the 'fiddle' here is the colloquial name for violin. 'Fit' didn't originally mean healthy and energetic, in the sense it is often used nowadays to describe the inhabitants of gyms. When this phrase was coined 'fit' was used to mean 'suitable, seemly', in the way we now might say 'fit for purpose'.Why is rain right?
The allusion in this simile is unclear, but it originated in Britain, where rainy weather is a normal fact of life, and indeed W.L. Phelps wrote, “The expression 'right as rain' must have been invented by an Englishman.” It was first recorded in 1894.Is raining cats and dogs a idiom?
It's raining cats and dogs is an idiom which means it's raining extremely heavily. When streets became swollen with rain it is likely there were many dead dogs and cats floating in the flooded streets, giving the appearance of having rained cats and dogs.What is the meaning of let sleeping dog lie?
(idiomatic) To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past. Eventually, they decided it would be best to let sleeping dogs lie and not discuss the matter any further.What does it mean to have your head in the clouds?
Meaning of Have your head in the clouds. This idiom can be used in two situations: MEANING 1. To be out of touch with the everyday world and to be unrealistic because of it. To be living in a fantasy (world).ncG1vNJzZmijlZq9tbTAraqhp6Kpe6S7zGiuoZ2imnqlu8SsZK2glWLBpr7MZp%2BuppuueqW70bJkqKqZnLavrdOe