Plus, the origin and meaning of other weird phrases.

Happy Thursday We use many phrases and sayings all the time. For example, we say "bless you" when someone sneezes or "holy cow" to express astonishment. But where do these phrases come from? And why do we say them? Read along as we dive into the origin and meaning behind these and other popular phrases. What Are 'Dibs,' and Why Do We Call Them? By Tara Yarlagadda Have you ever called "dibs" and wondered what you were talking about? Is a dib an actual thing? Read more >> Why Do We Say 'Bless You' or 'Gesundheit' When People Sneeze? Many of us offer a blessing when someone sneezes, and we don't even know why. Read more >> Where Did 'Shirt and Shoes Required' Come From? Nope, it has nothing to do with the health department. Read more >> What Does It Mean When Someone Says 'That's Just Semantics'?   In our modern vernacular, the phrase "that's just semantics" has somehow become shorthand to insinuate the speaker has argued something trivial or unimportant. But what does it really mean? Read more >> Where Did the Idea of 'the Willies' Come From? That uncomfortable, frightened, jittery feeling known as "the willies" is probably a familiar one. How did "the willies" get its name? Read more >> Why Do We Say 'Holy Cow'? The Hindu religion considers cows holy. But that's certainly not why we utter the expression. Read more >> What Does It Mean to 'Take It With a Grain of Salt'?   You probably understand the meaning behind this phrase. But where does it come from? And why a grain of salt? Why not a spritz of lemon or a nibble of chocolate? Read more >> Riddle of the Day! You see me once in June, twice in November and not at all in May. What am I?   Check Your Answer Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website howstuffworks.com Our mailing address is: HowStuffWorks 1501 Main St Suite 101 Venice, CA 90291 Want to change how you receive these promotional emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list