The Absurdists

Absurd Origins: The Stories Behind Everyday Sayings

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Welcome back! After a holiday hiatus, Marlo and Mary dive into the bizarre, funny, and often dark origins of common expressions we use every day. From “raining cats and dogs” to “kick the bucket,” this episode explores the fascinating history behind these sayings and how they’ve evolved over time. Along the way, you’ll hear hilarious banter, personal anecdotes, and even a discussion about buttering up deities!

 

 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • Why 17th-century England might’ve inspired “raining cats and dogs.”
  • The peculiar connection between bullets and enduring pain with “bite the bullet.”
  • Did ancient Greeks spill more than secrets with “spill the beans”?
  • How cake became the ultimate symbol of ease with “a piece of cake.”
  • The absurd history of throwing butter balls at statues and its connection to “buttering someone up.”
  • Why you might want to rethink using “kick the bucket.”

    • Fun Highlights:

    • Mary’s Easy-Bake Oven cornbread memories.
    • Marlo’s story of being “red-handed” in Reno.
    • A spirited debate about what it means to “put your best foot forward.”

      • Why Listen?

      If you’ve ever wondered where your favorite sayings came from or want to impress your friends with trivia about phrases you casually use, this episode is for you. Plus, Marlo and Mary’s chemistry and humor make for a fun and entertaining listen.

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      The AbsurdistsBy Mary Murphy & Marlo Anderson