I have heard a story that the term “bran-new” came about from when china or other fragile ceramics were bought, they came shipped in a crate and was packaged in bran. (pre bulbble wrap days). Over the years the term has evolved to “brand-new”. I can’t verify this story, but its a nice one and makes sense to me.
Cheers.
Joyce R:
May 4th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I have heard the same story about the ceramics shipped in crates of bran. I like this story best and it makes sense to me.
Joyce.
Katherine:
January 12th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
L Frank Baum described the Scarecrow as having “bran new brains” because the Wizard had stuffed his head with bran (and needles, to make him “sharp”).
Jim:
December 15th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Richard Henry Dana uses “bran new” twice in “Two Years Before the Mast” published in 1840.
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Connie:
October 5th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I have heard a story that the term “bran-new” came about from when china or other fragile ceramics were bought, they came shipped in a crate and was packaged in bran. (pre bulbble wrap days). Over the years the term has evolved to “brand-new”. I can’t verify this story, but its a nice one and makes sense to me.
Cheers.
Joyce R:
May 4th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I have heard the same story about the ceramics shipped in crates of bran. I like this story best and it makes sense to me.
Joyce.
Katherine:
January 12th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
L Frank Baum described the Scarecrow as having “bran new brains” because the Wizard had stuffed his head with bran (and needles, to make him “sharp”).
Jim:
December 15th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Richard Henry Dana uses “bran new” twice in “Two Years Before the Mast” published in 1840.