What does "twiddle"?

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Over time, many of the words and expressions in Russian language reinterpreted and lose value.Most often this is due to the fact that the disappearing of related objects and phenomena, known by such terms.Because of this, many combinations are stable expressions, often not associated with the original meaning.Few people know of where there were revolutions that is still often used in our speech.For example, "twiddle" today means not quite what in ancient times.After all, there was a very real thing - thumbs, and it was often used by our ancestors.Therefore, an expression that was all self-explanatory.

modern meaning turnover

What does "twiddle" now?Almost no one understands the meaning of these words, such expression is called the phraseology or idiom.Every modern man knows that if someone is messing around, not doing anything, he can say: "Enough is enough slack!"This expression refers to an idle pastime, idleness and laziness.In this meaning, this combination of words is used for several centuries.And about a person who is engaged in nonsense, instead of working, keeping up with business activity or chooses easier, saying: "He has thumbs."

Such a combination of the words have several aliases, for example, lazy, lazy or idle.But in fiction or in conversation to enhance expressiveness of speech is often used term "slack".And all at once it is clear what does the speaker to an event.

What does the word "thumbs"?

In ancient times the word was very common and indicated by a small wooden chocks, slightly curved on one side.They served as material for dishes (mostly spoons) and other household utensils.Tree in those days was the most common material in Russia, almost everyone was making something for the house from him.Therefore, all was familiar process of making thumbs.This item, along with him, and the word was familiar, and familiar.

Was in ancient times the expression "twiddle"?

turnover this in a sustainable combination began to be used not long ago.The word "thumbs" were known to all, so use many words.Why was "slack"?There are several theories about the origin of expression.

Less common, but the most plausible - is a version of a night watchman.They avoided in the old protected area, and knocked on the clapper, wooden chocks, which called thumbs.Occupation it was simple, does not require special skills and knowledge needed to be present at work.Therefore, when a person does nothing, sitting at work, sit back, it is believed that he has thumbs.

Another no less interesting version - the origin of the expression is the name of any small pond in the Volga region.Once in these lakes during the high water, fish, winter begins to suffocate from lack of oxygen.And if you break the ice, it often jumps herself.The great cold without much effort you can catch a lot of fish.The process of a local fishing called "slack".

The most common version of the origin of the expression

But often you can find another explanation for the value of this combination of words.Most scholars are inclined to think that the revolution "twiddle" earlier meant for the production of blank wooden spoons and other utensils.Wood was the main material for household goods, and therefore the process of whipping thumbs were very common.This unchallenging activity that does not require special knowledge and skills.With such a thing easy to handle even preteen.Most of laughed so hard, so in modern language expression passed in this sense.

How does the process of whipping thumbs?

But in fact, this work was not so easy to read her idleness.Yes, to split a log into multiple flat chocks, little do not mind.But still I had to clean the bark from the logs, slabs and any build-up and round from one side.In addition, it was very important to choose the right tree (often used aspen or lime), which is easiest to carve spoons.

opponents of this version of the origin of the expression argue the opinion that this kind of work can not use the word "beat".But the process of making thumbs do not end there.Cooked chock then hollowed special ax to make a recess for a spoon.All of this together and called "slack".With work, children and adolescents cope easily manufacture a day to 100 thumbs.

Where is possible to try to twiddle

Of course, anyone who likes to laze who work on keeping up with affairs and drinking another cup of coffee or chatting with colleagues about anything beats thumbs.But, speaking about such people, we use this expression figuratively, in his stable combination.Is it possible to actually try the slack?Yes, there is such an opportunity.

In the Yaroslavl region - in the ancient village of Semibratova - there is a museum.That's where you can learn the famous Russian fishing - twiddle.You will not only get acquainted with the whole process, but try to do it yourself.And then you are able to determine whether your shoulder is a "simple" lesson - twiddle.In fact, modern man is hard, and the expression of will you be perceived in a different way.

In addition, the museum can visit the workshop of famous Lozhkarev and see for yourself how thumbs into a beautiful spoon.There just is not there spoons!They differ not only in painting and exterior design, but also the shape, size and even the name.

value and origin of the most common set phrases are studying in school.But not everyone can explain what it means to "twiddle".If a word is out of use, its value was forgotten and now only those museums in Semibratova help preserve the history and culture of the people.However, the value of obsolete words you need to know every person who wants to use all the features of the great Russian language.