Origins of “Common Phase”

September 2, 2006 Leave a comment

 
We hear it and we say it often.  Most of the time, we dun really care about these "common phase" origins. Here are some good reading for those who like to know.
 
"Touch Wood"
 
The origin of the expression is almost certainly connected with a religious belief or superstition, but the exact nature of the belief or superstition is unknown. It may derive from an ancient pagan belief that knocking on a tree was a way to ward off evil spirits, or to call upon protective spirits who supposedly lived in certain trees, especially the oak. Another possible connection is the Christian ritual of touching a wooden crucifix when taking an oath or praying for good fortune. The early Christians may have thought they were touching part of the genuine cross used in the Crucifixion. Later it was thought that touching any wooden crucifix, or part of a crucifix, would confer the same benefits, as would touching any piece of wood that once was part of a sacred tree.  <Souce: (http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20010918)>
 
 

"Catch 22"
 

The expression Catch-22 is derived from the 1961 novel of the same name by Joseph Heller. In the novel, Catch-22 refers to a parodoxical Air Force rule by which a pilot is considered insane if he keeps flying combat missions without formally asking to be relieved, but if he does ask to be relieved, he is judged sane and must keep flying. It is derived from catch ‘a hidden difficulty’. <Source: http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19980223>
 
 
"Peeping Tom"
 
The name comes from the legend of Lady Godiva’s naked ride through the streets of Coventry, in order to persuade her husband to alleviate the harsh taxes on the town’s poor. The story goes that the townsfolk agreed not to observe Godiva as she passed by, but a tailor named Tom broke that trust and spied on her. <Source: http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/peepingtom?view=uk>
 
 
"On Cloud 9"

The true and original origin of "Cloud 9" is derived from Buddhism. The state of being in "Cloud 9" is the penultimate goal of the Bhodisattva.  <Source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/18/messages/721.html>

 

Here is one good site for all of you to read more: http://www.phrases.org.uk
So, dun be a "laughing stock" or "bimbo" – Go find out the origin meaning, huh?

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