Raincheck

[annavc]

What is the origin of the phrase "take a raincheck"?

[sddsddean]

I believe this started in the US. If you went to a baseball match (or similar out door event) and after paying your admission it was cancelled (say, due to heavy rain), you would be given a raincheck to let you in next time. The problem is, if this was done in the UK, it would be spelt raincheque, as it is a sort of promissary note. Perhaps one of our US contributors could confirm (or put lots of egg on my face by denying) this.

[Ewood27]

If you click here you will find a fuller answer than I could give, which confirms what sddsddean says, and gives other meanings.

[peanut]

right on sddsddean. thats the way it is. sincerely, one of the us contributors