fragments, bits
Despite its American sound and its common use by the fiery cartoon character Yosemite Sam, ‘smithereens’ did not originate in American slang. Although no one is entirely positive about its precise origins, scholars think it is likely that ‘smithereens’ developed from the Irish Gaelic word ‘smidiriin,’ which means ‘little bits.’ That Irish word is believed to come from an even older term that means ‘fragment.’
Mar 07
Leisure, Life american, english, gangster 2 Comments
On: no longer drinking
Off: still drinking
When the mob was running moonshine, it was required that the drivers not drink alcohol.
So, when one is On the wagon, one is not supposed to drink alcohol.
Mar 04
Legal, Political american, english No Comments
kill without legal sanction
Lynch law (lynching) is a term describing the rough-and-ready administration of justice by a mob in cases where the law is inadequate or dilatory (nowadays popularly meaning the execution of a supposed criminal). The term originates from the practice of Charles Lynch, a farmer in Virginia, USA who during the later part of the 18th century supported revolutionary principles in the district where he lived by catching ‘Tories’ and infamous people, whom he then hanged by their thumbs until they cried out ‘Liberty for All’.
Mar 04
Everyday, Life, Technology american No Comments
A form of greeting
The word was coined by Thomas Edison as a form of greeting to be used on the telephone.
Alexander Graham Bell’s suggestion was ‘Hoy Hoy’.
Thomas Edison’s suggestion caught on.
Mar 04
Art, Everyday, Life american, slang No Comments
appliance: a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
After the completion of the Statue of Liberty, the city of New York had a large celebration.
The owner of the company that designed the statue of Liberty, Gaget, Gaultier & Co., decided to cash in on this occasion, and made small bronze replica of the statue to sell.
It was such a popular item, that everyone was asking, ‘So, do you have your Gadget?’ referring to the small bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Mar 04
Everyday, Life, Literary american, english No Comments
To be in a weak position; indefensible position; not supported by law
John Neil (1825) – Brother Jonathan
“As if the Yankee man were determined to leave the briggadier without a leg to stand upon, as a lawyer would say.”
© Weird Words 2012 
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