Barking up the wrong tree – dogs chase raccoon or possum up a tree, however, they sometimes would bark up the wrong tree – bad choice, wrong decision, wrong assumption

Cost you an arm and a leg – when an artist would paint a portrait he would charge by the number of arms and legs in the portrait, because they were difficult to paint – the more arms and legs the more it would cost – something that is very expensive

Ear mark – farmers marked their cattle with brands on the ear – to indicate a predetermined place or position

Field day – annually the militia would parade and drill in town and the community would celebrating with picnics – a good experience with things going your way

Flash in the pan – the musket would misfire – the gun powder would not ignite the charge – brief success, not likely to go any further

Going off half cocked – when the musket lock is placed in this position it cannot fire – a safety position – not rational, unsuccessful due to lack of preparation

Groggy – a popular drink was called grog – if one would drink too much they would become groggy, drunk – not able to think clearly

Hit the hay – beds were stuffed with hay – go to bed

Lock, stock, and barrel – 3 parts of the musket – when you got these 3 parts you got it all – you have everything you need to complete a project, assignment, or task

Mind your P’s and Q’s – in the tavern the beverages were served in pints and quarts – too many p’s and q’s would render you drunk – watch your manners and conduct

Playing with a full deck – entertainment including playing cards were taxed, only if they had an Ace of Spades.  to avoid paying the tax they  would only purchase 51 cards – these people were thought to be stupid because they weren’t playing with  a full deck.

Pot luck – when cooking over the open fire big pots were used – one didn’t necessarily know what was cooking in the pot –take a chance on whatever is available

Put your best foot forward – when a gentleman would bow to a lady he would place his leg forward that was most “muscular” and bow –make a good impression

Read the riot act – a warning was read in the town square warning against any wrongdoing – your actions are wrong

Skin flint – if the musket flint was worn do to use it may not fire, so to save money it would be skinned or chipped so it could be further used – a cheap or thrifty person

Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite – beds did not have springs or box springs the mattress was laid on ropes; keep the ropes tight – the mattress was often filled with straw and could contain bed bugs and other vermin – The person saying this is wishing you have a good night’s sleep.

Thanks For Reading These 18th Century Idioms!

Straight laced – ladies wore corsets, which would lace up the front.   A proper and dignified woman was straight laced.

Tied to Mother’s apron strings – reliant on your mother, cannot or will not go out and do things on your own –  One not willing to break away and go out on your own.

Wind fall – during storms limbs, branches, and trees might be blown over by the wind, this would create a readily available supply of fire wood from the branches that came to the ground – something good came your way that wasn’t necessarily expected

HUZZAH!!  – 18th Century “Battle CRY”, CHARGE, Hip-Hip-Hurray (Huzzah)

We hope you have enjoyed reading about these ‘Idioms From the 18th Century’