Survey Finds British Phrases Most at Risk of Dying Out
Language is always changing, with new phrases being created all the time. But phrases can also die out when people stop using them.
A survey by research company Perspectus Global has found the top 50 British phrases that are most at risk of dying out. It asked 2,000 people aged 18 to 50 whether they used the phrases.
Almost 80% said they never use the phrase "pearls before swine." It is usually said as an instruction — "Don't cast your pearls before swine" — and was written in the Bible. It means, "Don't offer something helpful or valuable to someone who won't appreciate it."
"A stitch in time saves nine" is used when talking about something you can do now that will save you time later — but 64% said they never use it. The phrase comes from the idea that sewing up a small hole in a piece of material will mean you won't have to do more sewing when the hole becomes bigger later.
If you're as "keen as mustard" you're really enthusiastic about something. The phrase — which 58% said they don't use anymore — was first used in 1672. A popular meal at the time was roast beef, which was eaten with mustard. Since mustard adds a strong flavor to food, it became associated with energy and enthusiasm.
Other British phrases that are at risk of dying out include "pip pip," which means goodbye, "know your onions," which means you know a lot about something, and "I've dropped a clanger," which means you've made a big mistake.
However, the survey also found that most people are sad that phrases die out.
