Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Who was the first to "paint the town red"? | IDIOM ORIGINS

Jan 29, 2025

Explore the curious origins of common idioms that pepper our everyday speech. Discover who really 'painted the town red' and the bizarre history behind 'to screw the pooch.' Tune in to learn how to 'steal someone's thunder' became a phrase that captures the essence of rivalry. Delve into delightful tales of idioms related to cats and the cultural significance of expressions tied to Sundays. This playful journey shines a light on language and the captivating stories that shape our expressions.

47:35

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Quick takeaways

Wealth of idioms showcases creativity in language, revealing cultural nuances and the shifting meanings they carry over time.

The idiom 'to steal someone's thunder' illustrates how innovative ideas can be appropriated, stemming from a fascinating theatrical anecdote.

Deep dives

Understanding Idioms

Idioms are metaphorical phrases that often express meanings not directly related to their components. The term idiom comes from the Latin 'idioma' and Greek 'idiotus', which historically described individual or private expressions. This suggests that idioms develop within specific groups and can reflect cultural nuances or superstitions. Additionally, idioms showcase the creativity and evolving nature of language, illustrating how meanings can shift over time.

Intro

2min

Exploring Idioms: Origins and Meanings

13min

The Origins of Common Idioms

5min

Decoding Cat Idioms and Their Histories

15min

Sundays and Superstitions: Idioms Unpacked

4min

Unpacking the Origins of 'By the Skin of Your Teeth'

2min

The Origins of Idioms: A Playful Journey

6min

In this episode, Rob and Jess debunk some myths about the origins of common sayings, and prevent the even more fascinating true stories behind the idioms we use day-to-day.
🔴 Who was the first to "paint the town red"?
🌩️ How can someone's "thunder" be "stolen"?
🐕 What's the (horrible) origin of "to screw the pooch"?
🥃 Where did the phrase "on the wagon" come from?
These questions answered and many more in another Words Unravelled.

WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Fkf61-j8VmQ

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