Phrases we still use that no longer make sense

[Corso]

This little piggy went to market...

 

[Runwildboys]

This little piggy went to market...

That never made sense.

 

[Runwildboys]

"Bean counter." Maybe a very long time ago, they tracked finances by counting beans? Not sure on this one.

Maybe referring to an abacus?

 

[kskboys]

"Light a shuck"

Means to leave. Origin: Back before flashlights, people would light a shuck of corn so they could see to get home.

Yes, I know people who still use this!!!!

 

[Londonboy]

A penny for your thoughts. We no longer have the penny in Canada.

Do You still have The Queen's image on Your banknotes?

 

[Londonboy]

I think in Great Britain they call it a "hot water tank." Can any Brits here confirm that?

I call it the boiler.

 

[Londonboy]

This little piggy went to market...

My late Grandmother used to say "That Piggy has gone to market" as a metaphor for something that's gone and won't be coming back.

 

[Londonboy]

"He threw a Change-Up", shouldn't it be a Change-Down?

 

[lukin2006]

Do You still have The Queen's image on Your banknotes?

Queen Elizabeth II is on our 20 still and she is probably on coins as well.

 

[Londonboy]

Queen Elizabeth II is on our 20 still and she is probably on coins as well.

Cool.
"probably on coins"?
Does this mean You're so rich You never bother with them?

 

[Reverend Conehead]

"Take it with a grain of salt."
I think they used to believe that salt aided in digestion, so you would make sure to add some to your food. Eventually the expression meant to not believe everything completely, as in "you don't have all the ingredients" figuratively meaning you don't have all the facts.

 

[Runwildboys]

I call it the boiler.

My boiler heats my house and water. A hot water heater is for homes with a furnace or electric heat.

 

[daschoo]

I used to live in a house that had a boiler which was the heat source for the hot water tank. Just to further confuse things

 

[OmerV]

get up and change the channel.

change the record.

Does anyone still use these?

 

[OmerV]

I have 20 bucks

Why doesn't this one still make sense?

 

[BigStar]

Why doesn't this one still make sense?

I see what you mean cus I still use it too. Just the bucks being deer hides used as currency aspect of it.

 

[cowboyec]

Does anyone still use these?

I do.
especially "change the record".
in a conversation with someone...topic dragging on...I'll say "change the record".

CD runs out....play-list on my phone ends....I'll say "excuse me...gotta change the record".

first thing I said outloud when I read your comment to me...."uh...change the record".

 

[OmerV]

I see what you mean cus I still use it too. Just the bucks being deer hides used as currency aspect of it.

I see your point. I guess my mind was focused on things that have maybe changed over more recent times, and that one really hasn't applied for maybe 250 years? lol

 

[OmerV]

I do.
especially "change the record".
in a conversation with someone...topic dragging on...I'll say "change the record".

CD runs out....play-list on my phone ends....I'll say "excuse me...gotta change the record".

first thing I said outloud when I read your comment to me...."uh...change the record".

Okay, I see in that context of someone going on and on discussing a topic. I still use "broken record" myself.

 

[cowboyec]

Okay, I see in that context of someone going on and on discussing a topic. I still use "broken record" myself.

but how bout playin' music at the house...CD...play-list on your phone....when it stops...don't you say...."gotta change the record"?