The language of the 1800s

[kaaskop49]

To all above posters

Can anyone help? I'm unsure of that expression that refers to a person being, I believe, cheeky. Is it:

DRY behind the ears OR WET behind the ears?

If I've given an incorrect meaning, please correct me.
thanks,

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Jessie]

Can anyone help? I'm unsure of that expression that refers to a person being, I believe, cheeky. Is it:

DRY behind the ears OR WET behind the ears?

If I've given an incorrect meaning, please correct me.
thanks,

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

That would be 'wet behind the ears' meaning new and inexperienced.
Not sure, but I think it referred to a newborn having "wet stuff" behind their ears at birth.

 

[Alpo]

That would be my thought also. Newborns are wet with embryonic fluid, and this person we are talking about is so new (to whatever - the job, the country, etc) he has not completely dried off. Still wet behind the ears.

 

[Jack Flash]

Yeah, I remember old timers scoffing that 'He's still wet behind the ears!" on hearing someone had an opinion at variance with theirs.

I used to hear
"You're all wet"
a lot, particularly in movies. I never really thought about where it came from but it is no doubt akin to "I need to wet my whistle". (Take a drink).

IE, it has to do with imbibing alcohol to excess, thus not capable of rational thought.

 

[Faulkner]

I have read several books authored by Theadore Roosevelt, the "Rough Riders" being my favorite. I find the 19th century vocabulary mixed with his Harvard education to be very interesting reading.

 

[hudsonvalley]

And how bout fin.....? $5 bucks is a fin. $10 is a double fin.
But if thou chose not to speaketh the words....I'm good...

 

[shouldazagged]

And how bout fin.....? $5 bucks is a fin. $10 is a double fin.
But if thou chose not to speaketh the words....I'm good...

A ten-spot was also a sawbuck.

 

[TenTea]

Had the green knocked off = gain some experience

Tighter than the bark on a tree = stingy

Tighter than a bulls *** at fly time = stingy or just plain tight

Don't that just beat all...haha!

 

[MOONDAWG]

He invented copper wire by pinching pennies.