Thisclose

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>Does anyone have any information about its provenance, parentage, and
>probable distribution? If it is spoken, how is it distinguished from
>the two words said separately? (I have a mental image of the speaker
>holding up a hand with the first and second fingers pressed together,
>but is it augmented by some vocal emphasis?)

I don't have any real information but I agree that "thisclose" meaning
"very close" is meant to accompany some kind of minimizing gesture. Both
syllables would be expected to be stressed relative to context ... and
about equally, I think. Quick Web search shows numerous examples: e.g.,
http://www.thisclose.org/

-- Doug Wilson