Modern Expressions With Historical Backgrounds

By Editorial Staff in Facts On 10th December 2016

We all use these words, sayings, and abbreviations and don't even ask ourselves why. If you've ever wondered why we use some terms today, most likely it had it's origin in some other word or meaning way back before you were born. For instance, OMG and LOL really never meant what we use them for today, and you'll be surprised at some of the other words with historical backgrounds.

#1 OMG

Oh, My Gawd! This term or abbreviation means to suggest disbelief or surprise. It was first used by Winston Churchill in 1917 in a letter where he abbreviated "Oh my God" and then explained what it was supposed to mean. So we can blame Churchill and his friend to whom he wrote the letter to, Fisher, for the most overused term or word of the century.

#2 OK

Also known as "Okay" or "O-Tay", this means to express agreement or acknowledgment. It came to be during the middle 19th century as part of Martin Van Buren's run for president in 1940. "Oll Correct" was a humorous was of saying"All Correct" or also an abbreviation for Van Burnes nickname, Old Kinderhook, which refers to his birthplace. It later became used for "Out of Character" which was short lived. As the term became more popular, a=many different cultures have claimed to invented the term.

#3 Dude

Meaning a 'man', it's believed the term 'Dude' derived from the song Yankee Doodle Dandy in 1883. The first "dude' was a bumpkin who stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni. Dandy men of New York City became known as Doodles, Doods, or Dandy's, the term was later smashed together to form Dude. They were sophisticated, tight trousered and bespectacled young men of wealth. Today we call slouches Dudes.

#4 Pu$$y

We use this word in many ways. It generally refers to a kitten but can also be referred to as a woman's sexual organs as well as a person who is wimpy or afraid to do something. The words origin is a mystery. A poet in the 1500s used it first to refer to a female in a non-sexual manner. The Oxford dictionary concurred and listed the word pussy as a woman who was cat-like. Other origins suggest the words similar to "pussy"mean vulva or pocket, which is how it came to describe a females organs. It was first used in a vulgar way in a country song from the early 1900s.

#5 LOL

Laughing out loud! Everyone uses this term today and even shortens it to LOL for texting purposes. It used to be the abbreviation for "Lots Of Love" before being turned into a smile for something humorous or funny. It was first used in the 1960s as doctors slang for "little old lady" and was often extended to LOLINAD, which meant "little old lady in no apparent distress".

#6 Nerd

A foolish, studious, or contemptible person who lacks social skills and is usually boring as all Hell. The word was coined in 1950s slang when Newsweek had an article that said, "someone who was once called a drip or square is now considered a nerd." It became official after it was featured in a guide that featured teen slang meanings. It is believed to be a play on the word "Turd" or shortening of "Ne'er do well".

#7 Freelance

A person who does as he or she chooses without personal attachment or allegiance to another. To work as a freelancer employee and then submit your work for payment without being an employee is how we use the word today. It actually originated in the 15th century when mercenary knights would have no particular allegiance, would often take their lance into battle for money. It became a popular term in 1819's "Ivanhoe" by Sir Walter Scott

#8 XMas

Used as an abbreviation for Christmas, some believe it to be blasphemous. They ay it is removing the 'Christ' from Christmas and is considered purely lazy. However the letter 'X' represents the Greek letter 'Chi' which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ. The word has been abbreviated for over 1000 years. An Anglo-Saxon chronicle dating back to 1971 has the word abbreviated to "XPmas'.

#9 Fu@K

The term is meant "to have sexual intercourse with" and is used widely and prolifically. It remains on of the most taboo words in the English language. It was coined in 16th century Germany and meant "to strike" or "move back and forth". It was not meant as a swear word then but more of a polite word for sexual intercourse. In the mid 19th century it was used as a way of insulting someone and the middle finger as used to imply the mans penis when gesturing. It is believed the origin also comes from the King of England at the same time period where he issued a command to FUCK, or "Fornicate Under Command of the King'.

#10 Waking Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed

You get up cranky and have not had a pleasant nights sleep, or probably never got any rest at all. We all use this term to imply that we had a horrible night and today is going to be really sucky. But how it started is weird. The left side of the body or anything having to do with the left was often associated considered sinister. To ward off evil, innkeepers made sure the left side of the bed was pushed against a wall, so guests had no other option but to get up on the right side of the bed.

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