I was at small group tonight, and someone said "take this with a grain of salt." What the heck does that even mean? I mean i know what you are trying to convey (do not take this that seriously), but how did that ever become a popular phrase. A CLICHE. Everyone knows them, and what they are. I was going to add a dictionary definition, but whats the use? The best definition i found was "An expression so often used that its original power has been drained away." Perfect.
What I am interested in is what the original usage meant. We all know what the usage means now, but what about how it started. How is a "doornail" a good gauge of death? So yes, just a random question, something to get you thinking. But if you come across the etymology of the cliche "take with a grain of salt" please let me know.
Except in the course of this Blog, i think i have a guess of what it means. Oh well.
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3 comments:
Just a guess but maybe it has some biblical meaning... going back to Colossians 4:6 'Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." By seasoning your words with salt (love or grace maybe) your message may come off less judgmental or harsh. Therefore maybe the saying "take this with a grain of salt" is the attempt to portray something in a loving, grace-filled manner without the intent of being extreme or judgmental. Humm i dont know if that made any sense but it would be my best guess... what do you think?
I think we must be getting married, cause that is exactly what i was thinking.
Dude, you have an absolutely stellar name! Is your middle initial "G"? Here is what Wikipedia says about the phrase "with a grain of salt." They say it was first used by Pliny the Elder in his "Natural History". In Latin it is cum grano salis. According to them the English usage dates back to 1647.
But I like Karrina's theory better.
You're invited to visit my blog Use the Oxgoad. It be great seeing another Travis Gilbert over there!
Oh, there is also a Travis Gilbert in Austrailia. I met him trhough Facebook. I thought I was an original, but there are evidently Travis Gilberts all over the world!
Have a good one, Travis.
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