Civil War-era Phrases Still Used Today

[Old No7]

I saw this elsewhere today and thought it was pretty interesting, so I shamelessly copied snippets from the article to share with the gang here.

My reference to Spencer Rifles (um, this is it!) that were used in the war thus make this a Leverguns post.

Old No7

Civil War-era Phrases Still Used Today

“Ironclad” refers to the iron-armored warships used during the Civil War. The term has since come to mean something that is strong, unbreakable, or indisputable.

“Skedaddle” was a slang term used by Civil War soldiers to describe a hasty retreat from battles. It has since come to mean leaving quickly or fleeing.

“Upper hand” originated from the practice of soldiers gaining the higher ground in battle, which provided a strategic advantage. It now means having control or dominance in a situation.

“Deadline” originated during the Civil War to describe the line around a prison beyond which prisoners were "shot if they crossed". It has since evolved to mean a time limit for completing a task.

"Bite the bullet" comes from the reality that soldiers would literally bite down on a lead bullet to endure the pain of surgery or amputation. This phrase has since evolved to mean enduring a painful situation with courage.

“Seeing the Elephant” was a phrase used by Civil War soldiers to describe experiencing combat for the first time. It has since come to mean encountering something extraordinary or life-changing.

“Sideburns” is derived from the distinctive facial hair style of Union General Ambrose Burnside. His unique look became popular, and the style was named after him, with a slight alteration to “sideburns.”

“Hold the Fort” originated during the Civil War when General William Tecumseh Sherman sent a message to General John M. Corse, instructing him to “hold the fort” at Allatoona Pass, Georgia, against Confederate forces. The phrase has since come to mean maintaining one’s position or responsibilities in challenging circumstances.

“Jonah” was used by Civil War soldiers to describe someone who brought bad luck, referencing the biblical story of Jonah and the whale. It has since come to mean a person or thing that is considered unlucky.

“Fit to Be Tied", meaning extremely angry or agitated, originated from the practice of tying up unruly soldiers or prisoners during the Civil War. It conveys a sense of being so upset that restraint is necessary.

“Horse Sense” was a term used by Civil War soldiers to describe practical, common sense. It implies wisdom and sound judgment, often derived from experience.

“Cracker Line” was a supply route used during the Siege of Chattanooga to deliver essential provisions, including hardtack crackers, to Union troops. The term has since come to refer to a reliable supply chain or support system.

"Greenback" derives from the fact that during the Civil War, the U.S. government issued paper currency known as “greenbacks” because of their green ink. The term has since become synonymous with U.S. paper money.

“Caught Red-handed” has its roots in the Civil War, where it referred to soldiers being caught with blood on their hands after a battle. Today, it means being caught in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing.

[Paladin]

I have heard them for years not knowing where they originated.

[Ysabel Kid]

I have heard them for years not knowing where they originated.

+1

Thanks for sharing!