Website of the week

[raybear]

For some reason I had the phrase "I'm going to see a man about a ____" stuck in my head, and started wondering, where the hell is that from? My search led me to the best website of the week. Warning: if you're a geek about words and saying and origins, this might eat up some of your time.

Origina of English Sayings

And in case you're wondering, here's the answer to my question.

When someone says that they are going to see a man about a dog they really mean that they are unwilling to reveal the true nature of their business. The expression comes from the long forgotten 1866 play 'Flying Scud' by a prolific Irish-born playwright of the period named Dion Boucicault. One of the characters uses the words as an excuse to get away from a tricky situation. This character, an eccentric and superannuated old jockey, says: "Excuse me Mr. Quail, I can't stop; I've got to see a man about a dog". This is the only thing that seems to have survived from the play.

Comments

[vfc.livejournal.com]

You will come over and play the game "Origins" with me very soon, yes? It is difficult and a bit bland, but full of stuff like this.

[raybear.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a game that I would just sit and read the cards. Maybe I'll study the website before coming over to play. But yes, we should play soon.