boning

[bigbird]

what does "boning up "mean?

[Quizmonster]

'To bone up on' means to study something hard. It has been used in that sense - particularly in the USA - since the early 19th century. You'll hear it in such sentences as: "I'll need to bone up on algebra before next week's test."

[bigbird]

ta very much

[Glossopswift]

I'm glad you answered that one first, Quizmonster. I had a completely different meaning but I think bigbird should stick with yours.

[Quizmonster]

I was aware that 'bone' had other interpretations, Glossop! However - always the gentleman - I did not imagine those were what Bigbird was looking for.

[bigbird]

Well yes.....I did wonder about the other interpretation,but was assured I had got it wrong,lol........bigbird

[TomW]

A bone was used to polish boots - therefore to bone up may come from means to polish i.e prepare..

[bigbird]

The shoe cleaning bit is very interesting,had no idea they used a bone!!!!!......and that fits in with preparing,as in preparing for an exam....thanks for that,bigbird

[Ouisch]

"Bone" and "boning" also have the same rude slang meanings in the US you naughty guys are thinking of, tsk tsk.  Young school kids usually giggle uncontrollably when a teacher, after making a mistake, says "Well, I really made a boner that time."  But Quizmonster's definition is correct (as always!)

[bigbird]

Thanks guys......think I'm clear on that one now,Happy new year all....bigbird