Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

Quite simply — who coined the phrase "to coin a phrase"?

I'm sure it wasn't one person, but it's the origin that is of interest.

share|improve this question
2  
@mgb That doesn't say who. – Kris May 15 '12 at 15:22
@Kris - I think the closest we're going to get to an answer is in the link provided, i.e. minters. – Matt Эллен May 15 '12 at 15:37
1  
etymonline.com shows "to coin a phrase" as late 16th Cent. Whether it's C15 or C16, it's undoubtedly old and the exact originator is unlikely to be found. – Andrew Leach May 15 '12 at 16:08
1  
show 2 more comments

closed as general reference by Matt Эллен, J.R., Mitch, kiamlaluno, Mark Beadles May 18 '12 at 13:58

This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.