Cold Sayings & a Digression

[China Doll]

Morning All,

Just wondered if anyone could tell me where the expression 'Brass Monkeys' comes from please?

Also, 'Nippy,' I think I may have worked this one out for myself but just want to check.

(And while I'm here (it'll save another thread), does anyone know the origins of the expression 'Doesn't Suffer Fools Gladly?' As to my way of thinking this is a bizarre saying, I mean, who sees a fool coming and think 'I'm so glad to see that person').

Cheers
China xx

[Quizmonster]

Click here for the answer. It has nothing whatever to do with cannon-balls on sailing-ships!

[China Doll]

Thank you Quizmonkey, as informative as ever.

Right that's one down, two to go!

[Quizmonster]

Despite what you say, there are many people who are prepared to tolerate idiots, perhaps on the basis that the fools don't know any better than just to be fools. Others amongst us, however, have no such patience and the phrase about 'not suffering fools gladly' applies to them.

[Quizmonster]

I'm Quizmonster, not Quizmonkey!

'Nippy' suggests that the cold is 'biting' into one's flesh.

[China Doll]

Arrgh... I apologise profusely Quizmonster, that'll teach not to skim read!

Yes, I agree fools are tolerated by some, including me on occasion but 'gladly?' I just can't believe that.

Ah. I was wrong about the origins of 'nippy' then. I had presumed it was actually something to do with nipples actually.

[Quizmonster]

It's a nice idea, China Doll, and these wonderful protuberances are certainly a good barometer of cold temperatures...but, sadly, I think not the true source of the idea here!

[China Doll]

Lol! Thank you for clearing the matter up.... I will however be telling people my version if they ask I think... that way if it ever comes up in a pub quiz question I can be sure I'll have sabotaged at least one of their answers!