I had a teacher in college who said that the english word FUN has it’s origin as devil of a time.
Is this true?
Jack:
October 25th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Sorry, I don’t recall where I found the exact reference (it was is a sailing book of some sort), but “the devil to pay” was described as the most extreme form of a punishment meted out by sea captains – being forced to “pay” or caulk, a seam of a wooden sailing vessel from bow to stern. The longest seams on such a ship were those on either side of the keel, at the lowest, smelliest, most rat infested part of the hull, and named “the devil”. Having to “pay the devil” was indeed extreme punishment!
“A devil of a time”. Remarkable how often I use this expression, without having any idea of its origins!
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Becky:
April 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I had a teacher in college who said that the english word FUN has it’s origin as devil of a time.
Is this true?
Jack:
October 25th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Sorry, I don’t recall where I found the exact reference (it was is a sailing book of some sort), but “the devil to pay” was described as the most extreme form of a punishment meted out by sea captains – being forced to “pay” or caulk, a seam of a wooden sailing vessel from bow to stern. The longest seams on such a ship were those on either side of the keel, at the lowest, smelliest, most rat infested part of the hull, and named “the devil”. Having to “pay the devil” was indeed extreme punishment!
Adrian Morgan:
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
i am into sailing and i am also a diy fiberglass sailing boat enthusiasts for 5 years now. i really love sailing.~”
N.O.T.S.:
January 14th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
It’s always amazing how much we take for granted the origin of words, and how deep and rich their histories can be! Thanks for the insight!
New Orleans Web Design Guy:
November 27th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
“A devil of a time”. Remarkable how often I use this expression, without having any idea of its origins!