Review - Why You Say It by Webb Garrison

There is no doubt that you noticed a young whippersnapper got this website up to snuff with a new look, but did you know how “whippersnapper” and “up to snuff” got its phrasing? Webb Garrison, author of Why You Say It, gives the background on over 600 everyday words or phrases handed down through the decades.

For instance, whippersnapper came from the greenhorn cowboy who first learned the easiest skill of snapping a black snake whip. These brash and unskilled beginners would strut through town calling attention to themselves by snapping their whips, but everyone knew they didn’t have the real skills of bulldogging a steer or roping a maverick.

Being up to snuff came from Europeans during the 17th century when snuff was becoming common. The discerning connoisseur was a person who could distinguish the difference between good and bad powder tobacco. The sharp fellow, who was not easily deceived by a sniff, was said to be up to snuff. With the changing social habits of the day, not up to snuff referred to an amateur’s ability, later changing the label of ridicule to anyone’s below standard performance or ability to discern.

The book is loaded with fun and humorous phrases like: nip it in the bud, horseplay, go off half-cocked, blow off steam, poppycock, ducks in a row, shoot the works, and left-handed compliment. The history of popular words includes: blockbuster, blue jeans, Listerine, on hold, golf, bikini, America, hit, cheesecake, and circus.

These fun little pieces of trivia will bring a smile to your face and open your eyes to a history almost forgotten. I was personally fascinated by several of the stories behind phrases that were passed down from my parents and grand parents, which didn’t make sense until I read the book. The book is currently available through Thomas Nelson.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”