Whats the origin of the common phrase I call shenanigans? I've got a use of "call shenanigans" that dates to 1998, and I strongly suspect that, even if it isn't the earliest use, it's the source of the phrase's popularity over the last decade or so In " Cow Days," the thirteenth episode of the second season of South Park, the boys are at a carnival playing games which they come to suspect are rigged Kyle calls shenanigans, which brings Officer
Is this a shenanigan? - English Language Usage Stack Exchange Shenanigan is defined as "a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose " This seems to imply the person is conniving, whereas your situation seems to be a blatant lie, lacking the element of mischievousness
expressions - English Language Usage Stack Exchange shenanigan a A playful or mischievous act; a prank b Mischief; prankishness Often used in the plural reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others A person who performs shenanigans Apparently, the term shenanigans in the US is considered slang, and the phrase “call shenanigans” is used in some regions of
Where does the use of why as an interjection come from? According to the OED, the use of why as an interjection dates back to the 16th century: 1519 Interl Four Elem Bvij, Than I perceyue ye wyll make gode chere Hu Why, what shulde I els do? 1581 Confer with Campion (1583) Ciij, Why, is not Saint Iames Epistle called the Catholike Epistle of Saint Iames How do you then denie it to be Canonicall? 1599 Shakes Much Ado iv ii 44 Why this is
How common is the term boondoggle? And what is its origin? I’ve only heard it as a verb, but it’s definitely a well-established term The OED says etymology obscure—it has this from Word Study (2 Sept 1935): “Boondoggle was coined for another purpose by Robert H Link of Rochester Through his connection with scouting the word later came into general use as a name given to the braided leather lanyard made and worn by Boy Scouts”; but also
Difference between “I will call you” and “I give you a call”? First of all, you can't say "I give you a call" I gather you meant "I will give you a call" As far as phone calls are concerned, there is little, if any, difference in meaning or register However, the first sentence: I will call you is much more generic and, without proper context, may have meanings other than phone calls For example, when you read Go to your room I'll call you when
etymology - What is the origin of cattywampus - English Language . . . I'd love to read a more detailed account of the geographical migration of the word and evolution of its meaning along the lines you describe Bartlett in 1848 seem to think that catawampus illustrates a western U S tendency to invent to multisyllable nonsense words (like the later hornswoggle, skullduggery, shenanigan, and slang-whanger)