HISTORY LESSON 101

[Grant Barrett]

On 2/15/02 21:52, "Donald M Lance" <lancedm at MISSOURI.EDU> wrote:

> Someone forwarded this item to me.  I have no idea where it originated and
> don't really want to know.  Accompanying comments indicated that the
> previous two recipients took it as "gospel truth."  You lexicographers and
> slangographers out there might want to check your etymologies on these
> expressions and make appropriate corrections in your files.  You bet!

Snopes does a pretty good job of casting doubt on the whole thing.

http://www.snopes2.com/language/phrases/1500.htm