LL-L "Expressions" 2002.02.09 (02) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 09.FEB.2002 (02) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: Anja Meyfarth <AMeyfarth at t-online.de>
Subject: LL-L "Expressions" (was:"Resources") 2002.02.04 (10) [E]

Hello Lowlanders,

Andy wrote:

> (I'll not go into the nitty gritty here it would take to long.)

Nitty Gritty? Sounds funny but what does ist mean?

Greetings,

Anja

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From: R. F. Hahn
Subject: Expressions

Moin, Anja!

It was good to hear from you.  (And thanks for the interesting
explanation re Till Ulenspiegel in the other posting!)

"Nitty gritty" or "nitty-gritty" means something like "the
(lengthy/mundane/boring) details."  According to my sources, it is a
relatively recent invention, probably from the 20th century.  As far as
I know, it is used all over the English-speaking world, probably spread
thanks to modern media.  I wonder if its source can be found in Scots or
in some non-standard variety of English.  Or might it be based on a loan
from another language?

(As you well know, on Lowlands-L answers to questions have a way of
creating other questions.)

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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