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Nov
29
Up a creek with Uncle Sam (Phraseology, day 21)
2008 at 1pm Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
We’re entering the final stretch of the month-long Phraseology fest here at The Book Lady’s Blog. The U chapter is pretty short, but there are some interesting tidbits I’m happy to share with you.
Uncle Sam, symbol of the United States of America (1813), was coined during the war with Britain as a contrast to John Bull, and no doubt suggested by the initials U.S. Compare and contrast:
Uncle Tom for a servile black man has been somewhat inaccurately used in reference to the humble, pious, but strong-willed main character of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852). On a related note, the Underground Railroad, a network of U.S. anti-slavery activists helping runaways elude capture, is attested from 1852 but is said to date from 1831, coined in jest by bewildered trackers after their slaves vanished without a trace.
Flu season is upon us, and I hope you’re able to stay healthy and up to snuff, which was first up to sniff and mean that all senses were intact and one was feeling fine. If the flu gets you, you might say you’re feeling under the weather, which first referred to being at sea when the weather turns bad.
Up a creek was popularized in an 1884 political campaign song titled “Blaine Up Salt Creek.”
My hubby and I went to family game night last night, and all the usual suspects were present. You probably don’t know it, but that phrase originates from a line in the film Casablanca. It’s also the title of a great movie.
I’ve been eating a ton this weekend, but I have one extra pie crust left over. When I decide how to fill it, I’m sure I’ll use some unsalted butter, which is preferred for cooking and baking.
What are you up to on this gorgeous fall Saturday?
Related posts:
I spent much of the day recovering from yesterday’s shopping extravaganza. My Father in Law is visiting so we just came back from dinner and he will be spending the night. Looking forward to a laid back Sunday.
[...] Up a creek with Uncle Sam (Phraseology, day 21) [...]
I am researching some language expressions and am intrigued at your mention of “Blaine up salt creek” …. is there any chance you have access to the words of that – or could point me towards an online source ? I would appreciate it very much. Regards from John Maxwell.
John, I’ve done a little googling and haven’t been able to find the lyrics to “Blaine Up Salt Creek.” The author of Phraseology, Barbara Ann Kipfer, might have them, though. Her website is here.