"Gung-Ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 8)
Summary
Andrew Thompson joins Our American Stories to explore the origins of common English idioms. He explains the histories behind phrases like "goody two-shoes," "great white hope," and "green with envy." The episode also covers the roots of "gung-ho," "hair of the dog," and "hanging by a thread." These stories highlight how language evolves from literature, sports, and historical events.
Topics discussed
Intro and Ad Breaks: Liberty Coin, State Farm, JBL, Chase
Origin of 'Goody Two-Shoes' from 1765 children's book
Origin of 'Great White Hope' in boxing history
Origin of 'Green with Envy' from Greek bile theory
Origin of 'Grinning like a Cheshire Cat' from cheese stamps
Origin of 'Gung-Ho' from WWII Marine slogan
Origin of 'Hair of the Dog' from medieval medicine
Origin of 'Hand Over Fist' from nautical rope climbing
Origin of 'Hang Fire' from musket ignition delays
Origin of 'Hanging by a Thread' from Damocles' sword
Origin of 'Hard and Fast' from beached ships
Origin of 'Haul Over the Coals' from heresy trials
Origin of 'Frog in Your Throat' from water superstitions
Origin of 'Have a Hunch' from gambling superstitions
Outro and Ads: US Mint, Survivor Files, Hollywood Handbook
Ad for Delivering Happiness with Nick Turturro
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