10.356, Disc: 'Cutting the Mustard'

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LINGUIST List:  Vol-10-356. Sat Mar 6 1999. ISSN: 1068-4875.

Subject: 10.356, Disc: 'Cutting the Mustard'

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=================================Directory=================================

1)
Date:  Sat, 6 Mar 1999 07:31:38 +0000
From:  John Lynch <jlynch at ldta.demon.co.uk>
Subject:  Re: 10.342, Disc: "Cutting the mustard"

2)
Date:  Sat, 06 Mar 1999 10:14:30 -0500
From:  jcass <jcass at bellsouth.net>
Subject:  Re: 10.342, Disc: "Cutting the mustard"

-------------------------------- Message 1 -------------------------------

Date:  Sat, 6 Mar 1999 07:31:38 +0000
From:  John Lynch <jlynch at ldta.demon.co.uk>
Subject:  Re: 10.342, Disc: "Cutting the mustard"


>The phrase *cut the muster* has never existed. The modern expression
>*can't cut the mustard* derives from *to be the mustard* in which
>*mustard* meant 'genuine article' or 'main attraction'. Further
>details can be found in Robert Hendrickson's THE FACTS ON FILE
>ENCYCLOPEDIA OR WORD AND PHRASE ORIGINS.
>
>Marc Picard
>
To say that someone is 'mustard' at something is still a term of
approbation in parts of Britain
-
John Lynch


-------------------------------- Message 2 -------------------------------

Date:  Sat, 06 Mar 1999 10:14:30 -0500
From:  jcass <jcass at bellsouth.net>
Subject:  Re: 10.342, Disc: "Cutting the mustard"

Just an FYI on known present usage of "Muster".  I work for a large
manufacturing plant that takes employee safety very seriously.
Whenever we have to evacuate the plant (so far, only for
fire/evacuation DRILLS), we gather outside in designated "Muster
Areas".  This seems like an archaic term, but it does make sense to
"gather" in "muster" areas.  I must say, however, that because it is
such a strange word for most people, they often refer to gathering in
"Mustard Areas".  I suppose that's close to the "Ketchup Zone".

- J. Cass





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