Dictionary of Catch Phrases: American and British, from the Sixteenth Century to the Present Day

by Eric Partridge, Paul Beale

Explains the origins and meanings of many phrases popularly used in the British Commonwealth and the United States, including quotations for many entries

Genres: Reference, Language, Writing

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 12, 1986

About the author

Eric Honeywood Partridge

Reviews

[Paul Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book invaluable in working out the language I wanted to use in the Harry Lytle Chronicles. In the end I didn't use too many, because the language is so rich and peculiar most of these phrases would stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. But they helped in capturing the tone and humour of the day. Some of my favourites ...

All honey or all turd with them ... meaning they flit from being best friends to worst enemies

Choke away, the churchyard's near ... unsympathetic response to someone with a bad cough (I haven't tried it with anyone yet)

Every little helps, as the wren said when she pissed in the sea ... is self explanatory ... as is ... Her clothes sit on her like a saddle on a sow's back

Fie upon pride when geese go bare legged ... a retort to a lowly person showing undue pride

And finally one for the kids at the dinner table ... N'er an M under your girdle? ... meaning have you no manners.