October 27, 2003

*Ask Jen

Jim asks, "What is the origin of the phrase 'under the weather'?"

According to one source, this comes from sailors...a seasick person would crouch under the bulwarks to get protection from the wind, or weather.

Reader Missy wants to know, "Why do outhouses have crescent moons?"

Back when outhouses were widely used, most people were illiterate, and symbols needed to be used to distinguish the men's from the women's. The moon was used for the women, symbolizing the goddess Luna. Men were represented by a sunburst for Sol...but over time, men apparently had little use for outhouses and found alternate arrangements.

Do you have a question for me? You can e-mail it. If I know the answer, I'll answer it. If I don't, I might make something up.

Posted by Jennifer at October 27, 2003 12:14 AM

Comments

Um--didn't you get my question? Or was it too tough for you?

Posted by: Susie at October 27, 2003 11:01 AM

LOL, Susie...I answer them in the order received. You just have to wait your turn. I believe yours is coming up tomorrow.

Posted by: Jennifer at October 27, 2003 04:54 PM

thank you, once again!

Posted by: jim at October 27, 2003 08:48 PM


Jew