Phrase THIS: Rule of thumb

We have all heard the phrase "rule of thumb" but actually, does that make any sense? And whose kingdom is the thumb ruling anyway?

Well first off, in this instance, the use of the word "rule" refers to measurements, not laws, much like the word "ruler". The phrase can be summed up as "a general principle or rule based on experience or practice, as opposed to a scientific calculation." Personally, I like the word guesstimate, so I'm just going to chuck that in there too.

 

It is quite commonly believed (though I'm sure not by you, dear reader) that the phrase rule of thumb dates back to an English law that allowed husbands to beat there wives as long as the stick wasn't wider than their thumb. While we won't debate the merits of such a law on these pages, this is certaintly not the origin of the phrase. English law did allow for "moderate correction" and domestic violence was probably quite common but they aparently didn't go around measuring sticks with thumbs beforehand.

 

Instead, the origins of the phrase appear to be more mundane. First recorded in 1692, and already in common usage well before then, the phrase probably originates from some form of measurement, such as when planting seeds or woodworking. This distance is roughly one inch and in many European languages the word for inch is same as the word for a thumb.

PHRASE THIS: A rolling stone gathers no moss

Missing your usual Saturday Music Box fix? Well, too bad. Instead, ponder this: Why does one of America's most popular magazines (Rolling Stone) share its name with Britain's biggest ever rock band (The Rolling Stones)?

No, one was not named after the other, both were in fact named after Muddy Waters' song, Rollin' Stone. Recorded in 1950, Rollin' Stone is Muddy Waters version of a traditional blues song, Catfish Blues. By the way, Muddy Waters is a person and not a group. While the song didn't chart, it was commercially successful and Muddy was able to quit his full time job.

The Rolling Stones on the other hand, were formed in 1962 in London - four years after Muddy had toured the country. They released their first album in 1964, composed mainly of covers, and toured the States that same year. Since then the band has released 29 albums and over 100 singles.

Rolling Stone was founded in 1967. Not just about music, the magazine is also "about the things and attitudes that music embraces." Rolling Stone was noted for its liberal politics in the 1970s and featured Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo writings including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in 1971.

Anyway, without further ado, lets travel back in time to 1960 and visit the traditional home of the America's Cup, Newport. On today is the Newport Jazz Festival and here is Muddy Waters playing Rollin' Stone.

Phrase THIS II: Kicking the bucket

Have you ever heard the phrase, “kicked the bucket”? What does it actually mean? Yes, that they died, but how the hell does that make any sense?

Now if you’ve just shouted at the screen an explanation of the phrase, first off – check around the room to make sure no one is looking at you funny. Then, give yourself a brownie point. However, you may not be correct – because, you see, there are three commonly accepted explanations for the humble phrase, and no definitive proof over which is the correct explanation.

Allow me to elaborate;

Phrase THIS

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"

You said what now?

"No man ought to looke a geuen hors in the mouth."

Come again?

"Don't be an ungrateful jerk when you get a gift. Dick."