Buzz
Daily, we encounter various symbols and expressions whose beginnings have faded into obscurity. This list highlights some of the most widely recognized examples of these phrases, customs, and gestures. If you’re aware of others, feel free to share them in the comments for everyone to discover.
10. Red Herring
Mystery enthusiasts are familiar with the term “red herring,” which refers to a misleading clue designed to distract from the true culprit. Interestingly, this term originates from an actual fish. Bloodhounds, renowned for their tracking abilities, are nearly impossible to throw off a scent. However, dragging a red herring—particularly one that’s been out of water for a day or two—can emit a potent odor capable of confusing even the most skilled hound, aiding a criminal’s escape.
9. Handshake Tradition
The practice of shaking hands as a greeting or to finalize an agreement dates back to at least the second century BC. This gesture signifies that the hand is free of weapons and represents fairness, trust, and good sportsmanship. While shaking right hands confirmed a deal, using the left hand was avoided, as it was believed to nullify an agreement.
For decades, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt held the global record for handshakes. On January 1, 1907, he greeted 8,513 people with handshakes at a White House event. This record was surpassed in July 1977 by Joseph Lazaron, a mayor from New Jersey, who shook 11,000 hands in one day.
8. Two-Finger Salute
The two-finger V gesture has been prominently displayed throughout history. Many recall U.S. President Richard Nixon using the V sign, as well as Winston Churchill, who adopted it to symbolize victory. Churchill made sure to position the V with the palm facing outward to avoid the offensive meaning it carries in Great Britain when the palm faces inward.
During the 1960s, the V sign evolved into a symbol of peace. Nowadays, it is widely recognized as a peace gesture and a popular greeting among celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan. The earliest known use of the V sign dates back to British archers after their victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. French archers had threatened to sever the first two fingers of the British archers, which are essential for drawing a bowstring. After their triumph, the British archers proudly displayed their intact fingers as a defiant gesture. [Verification – Massey University]
7. Bless You!
The tradition of blessing someone who sneezes has multiple explanations. One belief was that sneezing could expel a person’s soul, leaving it vulnerable to evil spirits, prompting the need for a blessing. It was also considered unlucky to thank the person for the blessing, as reopening the mouth might give evil spirits another opportunity to invade.
Another interpretation suggests that sneezing was seen as a sign of excellent health, and blessing the sneezer was a way to congratulate them. Many responses to sneezes, like the German “Geshundheit!”, express wishes for good health or a long life.
6. Thumbs Up
The thumbs-up gesture is often (incorrectly) believed to originate from gladiatorial battles, where the audience decided a combatant’s fate with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down vote. However, alternative theories exist. An old English phrase, ‘Here’s my thumb on it!’, was used to confirm agreements. Participants would wet their thumbs, raise them, and press them together. This practice likely influenced the modern use of a raised thumb as a sign of approval or agreement. Interestingly, some ape species also use this gesture, possibly celebrating their shared trait of having opposable thumbs.
5. Salute
The military salute is customarily executed by bringing four fingers together to touch the eyebrow. This practice is believed to have originated with Roman soldiers, who used it to shield their eyes from the brilliance of their commanding officers. Another theory suggests that knights raised their helmets as a gesture of peace, signaling they had no intention to fight. This idea is reinforced by the term “sallet,” the name for a helmet in armor, which closely resembles the word “salute.”
The so-called Roman salute, adopted in the 20th century as a Fascist emblem, has no historical basis in Roman texts or artwork. In Germany, this gesture is now illegal and can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.
4. Fingers Crossed
The act of crossing fingers for good luck originally involved two people—one person’s forefinger to make the wish and the other’s to support it. The resulting cross symbolized unity and strength and was believed to protect against witches. Additionally, crossing fingers can serve as a way to invalidate a promise, with the middle finger overlapping the index finger creating a loophole for the person making the false promise.
3. XMas
Historians generally agree that Christ was likely born in the spring, coinciding with Mary and Joseph’s journey to pay taxes. So why is Christmas celebrated in winter? Credit goes to Pope Gregory, who integrated other religious festivals into Christianity. Pagan traditions helped ease the hardships of cold, dark winters, and evergreen trees symbolized hope for the return of spring and new life. This naturally aligned with Christ’s message of resurrection.
The Christmas tree tradition, as we recognize it today, likely originated in the 16th century. Legend has it that Martin Luther, inspired by the sight of stars shining through evergreen branches during a nighttime walk, recreated the scene by placing candles on a tree, giving birth to the modern Christmas tree.
Initially, English-speaking Christians avoided Christmas trees, viewing them as a pagan practice. However, they gained popularity in America during the 1820s among Pennsylvania Germans, and the tradition quickly spread from there.
St. Nikolaas, the figure behind Santa Claus, lived in Turkey during the 4th century. Renowned for his generosity, he attended Constantine’s Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. Over time, his name evolved from St. Nikolaas to Sinterklaas and eventually to Santa Claus.
Candy canes were shaped like shepherds’ staffs in the 1700s to turn a simple treat into a Christian symbol. Holly represents Christ’s crown of thorns, while gift-giving traces back to the Wise Men. Carols echo the songs of angels, and the star atop the tree symbolizes the star said to have appeared on the night of Christ’s birth.
Some Christians are troubled by the use of 'Xmas' instead of 'Christmas' on cards and greetings, fearing it removes Christ from the holiday. In reality, the 'X' stands for the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of 'Christ.' It was originally used to avoid overusing the Savior’s name in casual contexts.
2. Okay
The origin of the widely used term 'OK' or 'Okay' remains a mystery, though several theories exist. One suggests it emerged in the 1830s during a trend of humorous misspellings and abbreviations. For instance, 'NG' meant 'No go,' 'SP' stood for 'small potatoes,' and 'OK' represented 'Oll Korrect.' Another theory links it to U.S. President Martin Van Buren, nicknamed 'Old Kinderhook.' Alternatively, French soldiers during the American Revolution allegedly used 'aux cayes' to invite women to meet them at the docks.
Another possibility is that poor handwriting led to the rise of 'OK,' which was meant to be 'OR' for 'order received.' Some believe Obadiah Kelley, an early railroad agent, used his initials to approve documents. Additionally, it’s said that President Andrew Jackson adopted a similar term from the Choctaw Native Americans and helped popularize it. What’s your take on its origin?
1. Rock, Paper, Scissors
Rochambeau, commonly known as rock, paper, scissors, is a globally recognized method for settling disputes. In a notable instance, a judge in Florida, weary of prolonged arguments about where depositions should occur, decided to resolve the matter by having the parties play a game of RPS.
In Indonesia, the game features earwig, human, and elephant. The earwig drives the elephant crazy, the human squashes the earwig, and the elephant overpowers the human. An intricate version of the game includes 101 gestures and 5050 potential outcomes without ties. For those eager to explore further, the World RPS Society offers guidance. The origin of the name Rochambeau remains an enigma, and solving this mystery would be a significant contribution.
