Origin of Expressions: dad as a hatter and mad as a hatter
The saying dad as a hatter is linked to venomous vipers and adder myths. Mad as a hatter traces to an ancient form mad as a hatter or adder, suggesting fevered or irrational behavior.
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This newspaper page contains 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Hershey Press
Location
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Oct 22, 1909
Page
2
Head as a Herring Observation Origins
The phrase Dead as a herring arose among fishermen after noting that herrings die rapidly when removed from water making live observation difficult.
Feather in the Cap Origin Story From Hungary 1509
A saying tracing to Hungary in 1509 says no feather in a hat was allowed unless the wearer had slain a Turk. The rule allowed one feather per Turk slain, reflecting a martial custom of the time.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hungary
Not Worth His Salt Origin in Language History
An article notes the origin of the phrase not worth his salt tracing to Roman salarium from Latin salarium and connects to the modern word salary. It explains the phrase’s long lineage and link to pay in ancient times.
He's a Brick Phrase Origin Tied to Eastern Ruler
A ruler visiting a neighboring principality asked to see fortifications. He waved to his troops, saying these are my fortifications every man is a brick. The quote links the line to the hosts and their soldiers in a soldierly array.
Scot Free and the Meaning of Scot Free
An etymological note explains that scot derives from sceot meaning tax share, once linked to payment obligations. In modern usage scot relates to two phrases, pay scot and rot and the common term scot-free.
Cleanliness Is Hex Origin Traced to Isaiah Commentary
The essay traces the proverb cleanliness is next to godliness to an Isaiah commentary. It claims the maxim summarizes practical religious doctrines including carefulness vigor guiltlessness abstinence and cleanliness as core duties.
Cleanliness Pledges as Path to Holiness in Testimony
A phrase linking cleanliness and godliness to holiness appears, framing moral virtue as a spiritual path. The wording suggests a tradition of purifying conduct to achieve sacred standing.
It Suits in a T Phrase Origin in T-Square Use
The phrase it suits to a T means it fits exactly and traces to the T shape of the T-square used by draftsmen. Dr. Johnson’s era is cited by Boswell with a Wharburton remark about fitting him to a T.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Johnson
Boswell
Wharburton
The First Scapegoat Explored in Ancient Passover Rite
The article explains the origin of scapegoat from Hebrew Passover practice. Priests placed sins on a young goat at the altar after individuals laid on hands. The goat was then released into the forests to be killed by wild beasts.
When in Rome Saint Ambrose Advice on Fasting Saturday
Saint Ambrose explained the saying when consulted by a Milan woman about Friday or Saturday fasting. He noted he fasts on Saturdays in Rome but not when he is elsewhere, illustrating context matters in following local customs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rome
Ambrose
Milan
Origin of the phrase kicking the bucket explained
The article notes two theories for the origin of the saying about death by hanging. One links it to a pig carcass suspended by a bent wood device called a bucket. The other ties it to death by one’s own action from standing on a bucket to adjust a noose and then kicking away the bucket.
Roland for an Oliver Phrase Origin
The saying Roland for an Oliver traces to medieval romance where Roland and Oliver, two legendary peers of Charlemagne, were depicted in far exaggerated tales. The expression grew to mean matching one extravagant lie with another.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Roland
Oliver
Charlemagne
Phrase origins explain I dont care a damn
An explanation argues the phrase I dont care a damn is not profane and traces damn to a two cent coin once common in India. The expression meaning evolved to convey indifference as I dont care two cents. The origin highlights currency as the measure of care.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
India
White Feather origin traced to wheatear bird
An official of the Smithsonian Institution explained the origin of the phrase showing the white feather. He described a French gray wheatear with a drab breast black wings and a small white tail spot. The bird is common in Scotland where it is called clacharan and the expression comes from its visible white feathers in flight.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smithsonian Institution
Scotland
A Miss Is as Good as a Mile Origin Story
In a Turpin tale set before Charlemagne, two friends Amis and Amile endure peril and sacrifice. Amile saves Amis at risk to life and fortune, and Amis allegedly sacrifices his children to cure Amile of leprosy. The tale explains the proverb's meaning and endurance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlemagne
Pepin
Amis
Amile
Turpin
Mind Your P s and Q s Origin Stories
Two origin tales explain the expression Mind your P s and Q s. One links it to pub credit where P stands for pint and Q for quart, with weekly tallying. The other attributes it to printers confusion between lowercase P and Q in Roman type.
Well Digger Says There’s Always Room at the Bottom
A veteran well digger asserts ample space beneath the surface for new shafts and deeper wells. He notes ongoing demand from farmers and smallholders seeking reliable groundwater access despite cost. He urges careful inspection of soil and geology before digging.
Hershey Press Faces New Financial Hurdle
The Hershey press unit reports a tightened budget as revenue slips and costs rise. Officials say actions to cut expenses and preserve operations are underway to stabilize the newspaper’s future.
Obscure Job Interview Exchange From An Old Ledger
An applicant argues that taking odd jobs would not harm anyone, while the employer resists, saying it would steal work from his own men. The exchange reveals social attitudes about labor and scarcity in a historical workplace.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Hershey Press
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