Red herrings

[John McCreery]

In a private message, a correspondent asks me to explain what I mean by the
term "red herring." I reply as follows. Does anyone here know the correct
etymology or feel ready to offer another plausible flight of fancy?

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I do not know the etymology, but in my usage "red herring" refers to a false
trail, a distraction that leads you away from the path you ought to be
following.

If I were to make up an etymology, I might tell a story about a fisherman,
who, while trying to catch a school of herring (normally a grey colored
fish) is distracted by seeing a red one and lets the rest escape from his
net.

If I think a bit more about it, I notice the similarity between "red
herring" and "red tape." "Red tape" refers to bureaucratic procedures that
are seen both as a waste of time and an obstacle to achieving a goal.  The
color red is, of course, a widely used symbol for "stop, proceeding will
lead you into danger."  In traffic lights, red means "stop", in contrast to
yellow "proceed with caution" and green "go."  The red in "red herring" may
be especially appropriate because of the normal grey color of the fish, grey
being the color of boring, solid, substantial facts, in contrast to the
colorful interpretations that may be imposed upon them.

Thanks for an interesting question. I do hope this helps.

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John McCreery
The Word Works, Ltd.
Tel +81-45-314-9324
Fax +81-45-316-4409
email mccreery at gol.com

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