When I had posted last week's part I, I suddenly realised that "my two cents" is a saying as well. So today's post will rotate around:
"My Two Cents"
What does it mean?
"My two cents" or rather "add my two cents" means that one is expressing his opinion on something.
Where does it come from?
While researching its origins, I came across an article by a fellow writer, Angela Russell, who explained the possible origins of this phrase really well. According to her, the saying originated in Great Britain and has been used since as far back as the 16th century to enter a conversation.
My two cents on this:
I have to admit, I was very surprised to learn that this wasn't an American saying. But then, when I think about it, it makes sense. First of all, if it's really that old, the settlers probably brought it with them. Secondly, it is the Brits who are famous for their humility and courtesy. By devaluing their own opinion like that, they make sure no one loses his face if someone disagrees.
Language ... the bridge of communication, the magic creator of worlds, the brush and paint of authors. Language is magic. It gives us power. It is something you just have to love.
Showing posts with label origin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label origin. Show all posts
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Saturday, 4 December 2010
My Two Cents ... I
So each Saturday, I will give you my two cents on a saying I came across during the week, or which intrigued me in any other way. We will start this week with:
"It's not my cup of tea."
So, first of all: What does this saying mean?
It means that you don't like something or are not interested in it. If you say, 'Sorry, but rock music just isn't my cup of tea,' then you maybe like to listen to rap music instead. You don't automatically hate rock music but as long as you can choose, you will choose something else.
How did this saying develop? Where does it come from?
Apparently, the saying started in Great Britain in the late 1800s. At first, it was used as a positive. When a Brit said, 'It's my cup of tea,' he indicated that he liked something. Around 1920, the meaning switched to the negative form which is more often heard today.
My two cents on this:
Of course, I was absolutely sure this saying had to be British. I mean, who else is famous for their tea-drinkin tradition? The time frame also makes sense. In the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century before WWII, England's society thinking was at its peak. It was determined by birth and by money who was someone and who wasn't. The fine ladies would have tea with friends, chatting and gossiping, every afternoon. It was almost unthinkable that someone from the high society would as much as seriously talk to someone from the working class - except for giving orders. With the afternoon tea tradition lived to its fullest, it is no wonder that such a saying would develop.
"It's not my cup of tea."
So, first of all: What does this saying mean?
It means that you don't like something or are not interested in it. If you say, 'Sorry, but rock music just isn't my cup of tea,' then you maybe like to listen to rap music instead. You don't automatically hate rock music but as long as you can choose, you will choose something else.
How did this saying develop? Where does it come from?
Apparently, the saying started in Great Britain in the late 1800s. At first, it was used as a positive. When a Brit said, 'It's my cup of tea,' he indicated that he liked something. Around 1920, the meaning switched to the negative form which is more often heard today.
My two cents on this:
Of course, I was absolutely sure this saying had to be British. I mean, who else is famous for their tea-drinkin tradition? The time frame also makes sense. In the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century before WWII, England's society thinking was at its peak. It was determined by birth and by money who was someone and who wasn't. The fine ladies would have tea with friends, chatting and gossiping, every afternoon. It was almost unthinkable that someone from the high society would as much as seriously talk to someone from the working class - except for giving orders. With the afternoon tea tradition lived to its fullest, it is no wonder that such a saying would develop.
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