Posted on 11/14/2008 4:42:45 AM PST by Lucky9teen
In honor of Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day, let's look at a few of the more than three hundred up phrasings Merriam-Webster managed to collect. Those terms range from act up to bottoms up to (of course) loosen up and lighten up, to thumbs up and walk up. We're up to our neck in up words, and we'll tell you right up front that we've only got time for two up terms.
A defendant up on serious charges whose alibi is not up to snuff might find him- or herself sent up the river. Where is up the river from? That term meaning "jail" comes from New York's notorious Sing Sing prison, located in Ossining, up the river from New York City.
As for up to snuff: it's a dead end to assume the snuff in that phrase originates in the slangy snuff meaning "execute; extinguish." Something is said to be up to snuff when it meets an applicable standard or is considered to be of sufficient quality. What sort of snuff serves as such a benchmark? The snuff in up to snuff refers to the pulverized tobacco variously inhaled, chewed, or placed against the gums. Lexicographers don't know how this up to snuff metaphor developed, but it may have something to do with a high status once associated with snuff. Nuff said.
The store owner tells the nun: “Sister, you know we have strict orders from Mother Superior that this liquor store is off-limits to the convent.”
Nun: “But this is for Mother Superior's constipation”
Owner: “Ok sister, anything for Mother Superior”
About an hour later, he hears singing and goings on outside his store. He goes out to have a look-see and there's Sister Mary Mary all snockered up partying with the local winos.
Owner: “ Sister Mary Mary, shame on you. I thought you said the liquor was for Mother Superior's constipation ?”
Nun: "It is! When I get back and Mother Superior gets a load of me, she's gunna sh$t !”
bkmk
European Security Threat Levels
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from “Miffed” to “Peeved”. Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to “Irritated” or even “A Bit Cross”. Londoners have not been “A Bit Cross” since the blitz began in 1940 and tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from “Tiresome” to “A Bloody Nuisance”. The last time the British issued “A Bloody Nuisance” warning level was during the great fire of 1666.
Also, the French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from “Run” to “Hide”. The only two higher levels in France are “Collaborate” and “Surrender.” The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France’s white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country’s military capability.
It’s not only the English and French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from “Shout loudly and excitedly” to “Elaborate Military Posturing.” Two more levels remain: “Ineffective Combat Operations” and “Change Sides.”
The Germans also increased their alert state from “Disdainful Arrogance” to “Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.” They also have two higher levels: “Invade a Neighbor” and “Lose”.
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
WORLD CLASS FAIL.
Maybe it's a metaphor for what 0bama will do to the country.
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