Friday, March 19, 2010

Expressions Explained, Part 7



Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, televisons, or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to "go sip some ale" and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. "You go sip here" and "You go sip there."

The two words "go sip" were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus we have the term "gossip."

21 comments:

Becky K. said...

Huh! Now I wouldn't have figured that one out.
I love this Norman Rockwell Painting.
He was so gifted.

Hope you are recuperating quickly from your surgery.

Becky K.

Coloradolady said...

The expressions are priceless....learn something new today...Hope you are feeling well. Have a great weekend.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I learn something new everyday. At least I try and I did not know that. Thanks for sharing.

The Muse said...

i recall my grandparents Party Line phone...she always laughed about that.

♥ Kathy said...

It's not surprising to me that gossip started in a bar :) I hope you're feeling well this morning!

squawmama said...

WOW Sally that was really great info... what fun finding out the meaning of words... Thanks for the great post! Have a super duper day!
(((HUGS)))
Donna

Needled Mom said...

Maybe they should "gossip" a little more these days!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Cute Sally.... How are you?????? Hope everything went well.

Wish today's politicians would quit 'sipping the ale' ---and listen to what the American people are telling them... GADS!!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

Love learning about those expressions!
I hope your feeling well !
Have a great weekend
Diane

Blondie's Journal said...

Oh, that is funny! But it's something I definitely don't do!! ;-)

xoxo
Jane

Judi said...

Hi Sally
Interesting as usual....
Hope you are doing well and getting better each day.
I'm thinking about you..
*hugs*
Judi

Carol said...

There's a great new book out about Norman Rockwell & his techniques. I really enjoyed seeing this piece on your blog today. Have a great weekend!

artis1111 said...

heheheh..I can belive that one. Kathy

bj said...

Now this was fun to learn, Sally.
I love the photo...how it started with the old woman....and ended with her. :)

Anonymous said...

That's neat... hope you are doing okay!! Jenn <><

Cindy said...

Wow, I never would have figured this out!

xinex said...

Very interesting, Sally! How are you? Did you have the biopsy yet? I hope the result is favorable. BTW, I have a post ready for Blue Monday and it will be publish on 3-21, Sunday at 6 PM. I am on a cruise so I won't be able to go on line. Can you possible link me? Thanks, Sally, take care!..Christine

Barbara said...

Sally, Thinking and praying for you each day. I know things will be ok,but an extra prayer doesn't hurt. Thanks for the bit of trivia.

Barbara

Anonymous said...

Do we all love watching people's faces or it it just me?

Praying for your comfort, daily sweet Sally.

Kathy b

Anonymous said...

Thanks for coming by my blog and commenting! I added a bit of clarification to my post, it reads ... "I didn’t realize when I first posted this that it sounds like she gave us these things. It was a matter of having to resolve her personal effects quickly with both proximity and my husband’s relationship to the family items (and things we’d given her) in mind. She is aware of it, it’s just bittersweet."

Anonymous said...

I meant to say, see ya Monday!