7 Everyday Phrases That Have a Surprisingly Dark History
Some of the most common phrases people use today have origins rooted in violence, oppression, or grim historical events.
- Daisy Montero
- 2 min read
Many everyday phrases have origins that are much darker than they seem. Some come from brutal punishments, old laws, or life-or-death situations. While their meanings have changed, their histories reveal unsettling truths about the past.
1. “Bite the Bullet”
Pixabay on Pexels
This phrase comes from battlefield surgeries where soldiers had to endure pain without anesthesia. Biting on a bullet was a way to suppress screams and prevent choking. The expression now means facing something unpleasant with bravery, but its roots are far from metaphorical.
2. “Saved by the Bell”
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
This phrase is linked to the fear of being buried alive in the 18th and 19th centuries. Because people were sometimes mistakenly declared dead, safety coffins were designed with bells to signal if someone was still alive. What is now a lighthearted phrase once had life-or-death significance.
3. “Rule of Thumb”
Pixabay on Pexels
Though widely debated, one dark theory suggests this phrase comes from an old legal principle allowing men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb. While its modern meaning refers to a general guideline, its potential origins highlight past injustices.
4. “Caught Red-Handed”
Kindel Media on Pexels
This phrase dates back to medieval times when people caught with blood on their hands after committing a crime had no way to deny guilt. It was especially used in cases of poaching, where being found with fresh animal blood mean certain punishment. Today, it simply means being caught in the act.
5. “Pulling Someone’s Leg”
Elina Fairytale on Pexels
While now used to describe playful teasing, this phrase may have originated from street thieves in London who literally tripped people to rob them. These criminals, known as “trippers,” would pull at victims’ legs to make stealing easier. The phrase evolved into a harmless joke but started with bad intentions.
6. “Cold Shoulder”
Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
This phrase likely comes from medieval hospitality customs. When unwelcome guests overstayed their welcome, they were served a cold shoulder of meat instead of a hot meal. It was a polite but clear way of telling someone to leave, which still reflects its meaning today.
7. “Giving the Third Degree”
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This phrase comes from intense police interrogations, especially those involving brutal methods in the past. The “third degree” was a term for extreme questioning and coercion. While modern use refers to thorough questioning, its history is much more sinister.