Etymology

Etymology is super fascinating to me. Partly because it's awesome but mostly because I am a huge nerd. Today, for some strange reason, I was pondering the origins of "Olly Olly Oxen Free." (Because it's something I say frequently, obviously :o))

It appears that origins are muddled. Some say that "oxen" is actually a childish corruption of "all in" and that the phrase is actually "Everybody all in free." Indicating that it is okay for the hide-and-seek game participants to abandon their hiding places without losing the game. Some say that the call is really "Olly Olly, all in free" and the "olly" is merely a loud call to make sure all players are aware that the round is over. Other opinions are that Olly, olly oxen free is really "All ye, all ye outs are free" or "Alle alle auch sind frei" which translates to "Everyone, everyone is also free".

I think I will stick to olly, olly oxen free because really it's the only chance I ever get to say oxen.

Kick the bucket is also interesting. It is said to make reference to a hanging; where the bucket is kicked out from under a person who is then left to die. However it appears that the use of bucket in this sense may have come from the french word "buquet" which means balance. To kick the bucket means to upset the balance or to die.

Anyway, that is your random fact for the day. What is the etymology of your favorite word or phrase?

Sara