Carl Pettit
The Real Story Behind the Expression ‘Face the Music’
When a parent, a boss, a co-worker or someone in a position of authority tells us that we have to ‘face the music,’ we know we’ve probably done something wrong, and now we’re in for a bit of trouble.
Where on Earth does this expression come from, though?
What’s the Real Story Behind the Popular Soft Drink Coca-Cola?
Nothing could be more American than sitting down with your friends, in a restaurant or during the big game, and enjoying a great big glass of Coca-Cola, right? Coca-Cola means Santa Claus, family outings and summertime fun… in other words, pure Americana.
So, what does Coca-Cola have to do with America’s war on drugs?
Can You Guess the Country That Banned Donald Duck?
Perhaps hate is too strong of a sentiment, but one nation, it seems, was so offended by Disney’s Donald Duck that it banned the depictions of the character from the country. Can you guess the country?
What’s the Real Story Behind Men Wearing Ties?
Despite what many a working stiff might think, men do not wear neckties to facilitate strangulation when their bosses are less than pleased with their work.
So, why do men wear this variable, often quite fashionable, and utterly useless piece of business attire?
Where Did the Phrase ‘Got You Over a Barrel’ Come From?
If someone has you ‘over a barrel,’ it’s never a good sign. This phrase means you’re in an extremely vulnerable position, and another human being (most likely not a friend) is taking advantage of that vulnerability.
What Exactly Is the History Behind Mardi Gras?
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Atlantic Coast in 2005, New Orleans, and the region as a whole, gained more prominence in the national and international news, and rightly so.
Where Does the Saying ‘Take a Raincheck’ Come From?
When you say, “I’ll take a raincheck,” you’re telling someone that you can’t accept his or her offer or invitation now, but you’d be happy to accept it down the road. The phrase can also be used sarcastically, by letting someone know you’d prefer to delay something unpleasant until the future, or as a promise for out-of-stock goods.
But how did this expression make it into our lexicon?
What’s the Story Behind the Phrase ‘Peeping Tom?’
A peeping Tom is a person who secretly watches someone else, so how is it possible the expression has its roots in taxation?