Green Bubbles’ bits and pieces…

Our language is prevalent with figurative expressions whose acquaintance has concealed their peculiarity. Not often do we pause to feel curiosity about the origins or to note the odd literal implications of phrases we hear or use daily. Where did certain expressions come from and how did they become part of our language?

1. jack of all trades- this refers to a person who can turn his hand to almost any trade but isn’t especially proficient in any one of them. Thus, “jack of all trades but master of none” is also used. The phrase has been in common use since at least 1618.

1. butterfingers- one who lets thing, drops things easily; a clumsy or awkward person. The term is common in English-speaking countries, and the adjective form, butter-fingered’ has been in use since early 17^th century.

1. knock for a loop- to disorient someone by saying or doing something shocking or unexpected. The loop in this modern slang expression derives from the aeronautical term for maneuver of an airplane. To knock someone for a loop is to hit the person hard enough to make him do a somersault.

1. brain drain- emigration of highly skilled and professional people to another country or organization. It was coined by British immeadiately following World War II in reference to extensive loss of country’s professionals to other countries especially US which offered better working conditions.

1. kettle of fish- a confusing, topsy-turvy state of affairs. Literal use of this originally British expression refers to the kettle of fish sewed at riverside picnic. Fine kettle of fish and pretty kettle of fish are frequently heard. Ironic use of adjectives serves to highlight the implied confusion and disorderliness.

Just like my blog, it’s a fine kettle of fish for my right hand doesn’t know what my left hand is doing…