‘chalk and talk’: meaning and origin
USA, 1871—a traditional method of teaching consisting of lectures (talk) illustrated chiefly on the blackboard (chalk)
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‘cheats never prosper’: meaning and origin
dishonest or deceitful actions, while they may offer a short-term advantage, do not lead to long-term success or well-being—1710, as ‘cheating never thrives’
Read More‘sugar skull’: meaning and origin
1843—a representation of a human skull or skeleton, originally crafted from sugar and intended to be eaten and often given to children as a gift around Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Read More‘to whistle in the dark’: meaning and origin
USA, 1835—to assume a pretence of courage—originally (from 1801 onwards): with explicit reference to a child putting on a brave front by whistling in the dark
Read More‘to spill one’s guts (out)’: meaning and origin
U.S. criminals’ slang, 1915—to reveal the truth about something secret or private
Read More‘war cake’: meaning and origin
a cake made with the ingredients available during wartime—first used during the First World War (1914-1918)—came back into usage during the Second World War (1939-1945)
Read More‘holy laugh’: meaning and origin
USA, 1826—a laugh by a person in a state of religious fervour—especially used in reference to Methodist camp-meetings
Read More‘Left-Bankish’: meaning and origin
USA, 1936—characteristic or reminiscent of the Left Bank (‘Rive Gauche’ in French), the part of Paris south of the River Seine, noted for its intellectual and artistic life
Read More‘California toothpick’: meaning and origin
USA, 1851—a bowie-knife—apparently coined in relation to the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848
Read More‘California widow’: meaning and origin
Australia & USA, 1850—a married woman whose husband has left to prospect for gold in California
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