thependulumswings

We continue today exploring the original meaning of phrases we use in everyday life.  A few weeks back we examined what putting a feather in our cap meant.  We found out for us “Yankees” that it actually was a bit insulting when put into context from the Yankee Doodle nursery rhyme.  Today we offer a couple more for your perusal.  Let’s start.  Or, better yet, let’s “break the ice.”

When we begin from zero in an attempt to get somewhere in a conversation, sales call, or on a project we want to naturally progress beyond ground zero.  So at a minimum, after we introduce our side of the story, we say “well, at least we broke the ice.”  Where did that come from and what did it originally mean?

Meaning: To commence a project or initiate a friendship
History: Before the days of trains or cars, port cities that thrived on trade suffered during the winter because frozen rivers prevented commercial ships from entering the city. Small ships known as “icebreakers” would rescue the icebound ships by breaking the ice and creating a path for them to follow. Before any type of business arrangement today, it is now customary “break the ice” before beginning a project.

I doubt that the above explanation left you speechless.  But, if it did some might say that “the cat got your tongue.”  Well if the cat got your tongue in the hundreds of “civilized” years gone by it would have been quite a bit more painful than just being stumped to the point of being speechless.  Why?  You might not be glad you asked.

Meaning: Something said when a person is at a loss for words
History: There are two possible sources for this common short saying. The first refers to the cat-o’-nine-tails – a whip used by the English Navy for flogging. The whip caused so much pain that the victims were left speechless. The second refers to the practice of cutting out the tongues of liars and blasphemers and feeding them to cats.

Given the choice, the choice is clear.  Break the ice and keep your tongue.

Meow!