Transcript

A (0:00)

Fellow ridiculous historians, this classic episode has an unexpected gift. It's a special guest, longtime friend of the show, our pal Rohan Newby.

B (0:11)

Man, speaking of Rohan Newby, he doesn't do the podcast pitches anymore, but a record that he and I made together that took us many, many years just came out. It's on Spotify. Rowan Newby. It's called Some Hippie youe Turned Out To Be. And the record just got picked up by a cool indie label out of Philly called Perpetual Doom. So do check it out. I think there's going to be Phys versions coming soon.

A (0:33)

Yeah, and you guys did phenomenal work on that. We talked about that a little bit off air. I. I love. Oh, that lonely song.

B (0:41)

Once you've been lonely.

A (0:42)

Once you've been lonely. That's a banger. Check it out. And no, do please save me a vinyl.

B (0:47)

No vinyl yet, but maybe Perpetual Doom will be putting it out in that format.

A (0:51)

And so in this episode, which is part of a on and off continuing.

B (0:57)

Series, mainly off, but man, it's reminding us. I think we should bring it back.

A (1:01)

We should bring it back.

A (1:04)

We had Rowan with us. We also later, I think in this series, we talked to longtime friend of the show, our brother in arms, Frank Mulherron, about crack.

B (1:12)

Not. Not like the drug, the word. The Irish parlance. Yes.

A (1:16)

C, R A, I C. So we got interested in the idea of idioms and favorite turns of phrases. We can't wait for you to hear this one, folks, and get to your podcast platform of choice as you're listening and let us know any turns phrases that we unintentionally used without exploring the etymology thereof.

B (1:39)

Yeah, and Apollo's all about this. If you can hear a little barky boy in the background, he's excited for some idiomatic for the people. Part one.

C (1:47)

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human. This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA in adults with obesity? They may be happening to you without you knowing if anyone has ever said you snored loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at don't sleep on osa.com this information is provided by Lily, a medicine company man.

Summary

Ridiculous History – CLASSIC: Idiomatic for the People, Part I

Date: December 6, 2025
Hosts: Ben Bowlin, Noel Brown
Guest: Rowan Newby

Episode Overview

This “Idiomatic for the People” episode features hosts Ben and Noel joined by their friend, podcaster, and musician Rowan Newby. Together, they dive deep into the origins, meanings, and quirks of some of the English language’s most peculiar idioms and figures of speech. Each participant brings idioms to the table, discussing their etymology, how their meanings have shifted over time, and reflecting on the sometimes-surprising (and occasionally grisly) histories behind the phrases we use every day. Along the way, the group blends humor, personal anecdotes, and classic friendship banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Format

The trio embarks on a “ridiculous” exploration of idioms, both familiar and obscure.
The recurring theme: Everyday expressions often have unexpected, even bizarre origins.
Rowan Newby is introduced as a Renaissance man: accomplished musician, producer, and host of the podcast “Pitches,” where guests pitch “horrible” ideas.

“Sometimes it’s almost scary when we stumble upon a good idea because we don’t know what to do...” — Rowan Newby (07:13)

2. Idiom #1: “Butter Someone Up”

Presenter: Ben

Definition: To flatter someone, usually in hopes of a favor.
Possible Origins:
- Ancient India – worshippers would throw balls of clarified butter (ghee) at gods’ statues seeking favor (11:10).
- Tibet – crafting butter sculptures for New Year’s, symbolizing wishes for happiness and peace (12:16).
Modern Meaning: Flattery with an implied expectation (13:15).
Interesting Note: Butter was historically a highly prized commodity, lending weight to the idiom’s development.
Discussion: The group riffs on its manipulative connotations.

“I take buttering someone up as definitely wanting something in return, as manipulative.” — Rowan (15:05)
Notable Banter: Digression into the phrase “blowing smoke up someone’s backside” and Kellogg’s tobacco smoke enemas (15:28).

3. Idiom #2: “Nip It in the Bud”

Presenter: Rowan

Definition: To stop something at an early stage.
Origin:
- Horticultural metaphor — removing the bud prevents growth.
- First literary use: “Nip it in the bloom” (Henry Chettle, 1595) (19:18).
Common Mistake: Many say “nip it in the butt,” which is incorrect (20:01).

“What would nip it in the butt mean?” — Ben (20:10)
Discussion: The idiom is often used southern-style; references to the Andy Griffith Show and Barney Fife.
Fun Moment: Group debates the nuances between stopping growth and eliminating a problem (“nip it in the bud” versus “nip it in the butt”).
Meta-Commentary: The show’s tradition of dad jokes draws both criticism and praise from listeners (16:13, 16:48).

4. Idiom #3: “Basket Case”

Presenter: Noel

Definition: Refers to someone deeply stressed, disorganized, or having a breakdown.
Origin: WWI-era term, for a quadruple amputee soldier who would have to be carried in a basket (30:43).
Historical Note: The U.S. Surgeon General denied such cases ever existed, but a Canadian soldier with quadruple amputations did live a productive life (32:09).
Evolution:
- Originally about severe physical disability, shifted to psychological breakdowns, and now often applies to things (nations, companies) more than people (35:03).
Reflections: Use of the idiom is increasingly discouraged as it can be seen as insensitive.

“It's a pejorative… it’s just lazy writing and it should not be used…” — David Marsh, The Guardian (35:18)

5. Related War Idioms

Boondocks: From Tagalog (“bundok”), meaning mountain. Now used for “the middle of nowhere” (36:00).
Pipsqueak: Derived from a small German trench gun from WWI (36:19).
Trench Coat: Created for, and named after, trench warfare (36:41).
Fleabag: Slang for a dirty sleeping bag, now used as “fleabag hotel” (36:48).
Fun Reflection: Terrible living conditions in war led to some colorful linguistic inventions (37:10).

6. Idiom #4: “Let the Cat Out of the Bag"

Presenter: Ben

Definition: Reveal a secret or spoil a surprise.
Possible Origins:
1. Open-air British markets: Con artists swapped piglets with cats in bags (pigs in a poke); doubts remain due to size and sound differences (44:49).
2. Spanish phrase: “Dar gato por liebre” (give a cat for a hare), tricking customers (47:01).
3. Naval punishment: Cat o’ nine tails whip kept in a red bag (47:12).
Related Idiom: “Pig in a poke”—buying without inspection (44:49–45:39).
Discussion: Irreversible actions, similar to “Pandora’s box/jar” (50:28).

7. Idiom #5: “Like the Cut of Your Jib”

Presenter: Rowan

Definition: To like someone’s style or demeanor.
Origin:
- Maritime term: The jib is a triangular sail; ships’ “jib” shapes indicated their national origins or character (53:58).
- Possible association: The jib sail’s shape resembles a nose—might have transferred to facial features (54:40).
“Jib” to “nose” wordplay leads to much joking (“Keep your jib clean…” 55:56).
Spin-off: “Brown-nosing”—detailed tangent about its obvious, literal grossness (56:24).

8. Idiom #6: “Three Sheets to the Wind”

Presenter: Noel

Definition: Extremely drunk or inebriated.
Origin:
- Nautical: A “sheet” is the line securing a sail, not the sail itself (63:16).
- If “sheets” are loose/to the wind, the ship can’t be steered and staggers—just like a drunk person (65:10).
- Degrees of drunkenness: “One sheet” (tipsy), “three sheets” (fall-down drunk), used in literature (66:41).
- Cited in: Pierce Egan’s “Real Life in London” (1891), Catherine Ward’s “The Fisher’s Daughter” (68:37), and referenced by Robert Louis Stevenson in “Treasure Island” (69:48).
Notable Moment: Casey, the show’s fact-checking super-producer, is genuinely surprised by this one (71:09).

Notable Quotes & Banter

“Don’t look a gift podcaster in the mouth.” — Ben (05:34)
“We have been accused of absolute dependence on dad jokes. So it’s totally, totally part of ours.” — Rowan (16:13)
“I always just read [buttering someone up] as… inherently disingenuous.” — Rowan (15:05)
“Who needs a case for a basket? It’s like having a bag for a bag.” — Noel (30:01)
“Cat’s out of the bag… was the OG spoiler alert.” — Rowan (51:20)
“Nip it in the butt aside… I think I’m learning a lot.” — Ben (22:53)
“We are nothing if not fans of tradition.” — Noel (17:18)

Key Segments & Timestamps

[05:16] – Opening riff on podcast-themed idioms and intros.
[06:33] – Introduction of guest Rowan Newby.
[10:10] – First idiom: “Butter Someone Up” origin discussed.
[17:24] – “Nip It in the Bud” exploration and “nip it in the butt” jokes.
[29:06] – “Basket Case” origin and evolution.
[36:00] – Related idioms from war: boondocks, pipsqueak, trench coat, fleabag.
[42:02] – “Let the Cat Out of the Bag”: exploring folk explanations and debunkings.
[53:42] – “Like the Cut of Your Jib”: from sail to personal style; “jib” and “nose.”
[63:16] – “Three Sheets to the Wind”: nautical roots and linguistic journey.
[71:09] – Casey “the super-producer” is finally stumped.

Memorable Moments

Puns and Dad Jokes: The hosts’ compulsive dad jokes are repeatedly brought up, maligned, and ultimately championed.
Rowan’s Recurring Dream: Ben confesses a childhood dream about being publicly hated by the Dave Matthews Band’s violinist—a running joke that highlights the personal nature of the show (24:18).
Listener/Fan Interactions: References to listener feedback, particularly on their humor and pun “runs” (16:48).

Conclusion & Call to Listeners

The episode wraps with thanks to Rowan and a call for listeners to send in their own favorite idioms and mysteries for possible research. The group concludes by brainstorming other titles for the idiom segment (“Idiots on Idioms,” “Idiomocracy”), expressing hope to revisit the theme.

“Let us know what phrase always sounded very strange to you or the origin story of something…” — Ben (73:58)

Episode Flow & Tone

Language: Light-hearted, self-deprecating, and playfully nerdy. Banter is rapid and often digressive, but circles back to the idiom at hand.
Vibe: Think a witty, nerdy gathering of longtime friends who love history, wordplay, and sharing odd facts—plus a healthy dose of dad jokes.

Summary prepared for those seeking a thorough, timestamped walkthrough of episode content and highlights—with all the wordplay and warmth Ridiculous History brings to podcasting’s weird side.

wavePod

CLASSIC: Idiomatic For The People, Part I