English Language & Usage

Popular Question

 Popular Question
Question with 1,000 views. This badge can be awarded multiple times.

earned this badge 18 times.
Rag and Razz--slang for teasing/ridiculing--which came first and what's the etymology of the words?
Awarded Jul 9 at 19:05
Why does "mash me a fin" mean loan me/give me five dollars?
Awarded Jul 19, 2022 at 0:15
If someone is "playing horse with you" why are they either teasing, ridiculing, or perhaps flirting with you?
Awarded Jan 2, 2022 at 15:17
Why was someone considered mentally unbalanced or crazy called a "crackpot"?
Awarded Dec 11, 2020 at 23:21
Why were "skin" and "niggle" slang words meaning to hurry?
Awarded Jun 2, 2020 at 1:10
What is the origin of the idiom "tight fit" meaning a good joke?
Awarded Apr 5, 2019 at 19:10
Old slang words for a kiss--cherry smashes and honey cooler--why?
Awarded Sep 8, 2018 at 0:15
Why does the phrase "to take the rag off" mean to excel in the classroom?
Awarded Jul 2, 2018 at 4:11
Where did the 1920s slang word "grungy" (meaning "envious") originate, if the modern word "grungy" (meaning "dingy") doesn't appear until 1965?
Awarded Apr 12, 2018 at 13:47
Is a tin-ear one who dislikes music or one who dislikes new popular music? Why?
Awarded Jul 18, 2017 at 6:31
Why does "all to the mustard" mean excellent?
Awarded Aug 23, 2016 at 13:51
If you're "balled up" why are you confused?
Awarded Jul 16, 2016 at 18:09
Why does the word "joed" mean weary, tired, exhausted, fatigued, etc.?
Awarded Jun 30, 2016 at 16:51
If something is considered the best why is it said to be "the berries"?
Awarded Apr 2, 2016 at 21:46
Why do the words ducky and jake mean fine or satisfactory?
Awarded Feb 19, 2016 at 13:27
"How do you do"--what does it mean and when did most of society opt to no longer say it?
Awarded Sep 18, 2014 at 11:12
Why does to "take a powder" mean to run away or to leave?
Awarded Aug 13, 2014 at 22:13
How did the words "petting" and "necking" come to mean kissing with passion?
Awarded Aug 12, 2014 at 1:58

Others with this badge

Your privacy

By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy.