Chapter
The Origins of "In a Pickle"
28:27 - 31:50 (03:22)
The phrase "in a pickle" has its origins in a 1660 diary entry by John Evelyn, and was borrowed by Shakespeare from the Dutch phrase "in the peckles zitten." Its preservation is similar to how pickling preserves food.
Clips
The phrase "in a pickle" means you're in a tight spot, a difficult situation, and it always struck the speaker as odd that all phrases meant the same thing but were food-related.
28:27 - 29:21 (00:53)
In a Pickle
Summary
The phrase "in a pickle" means you're in a tight spot, a difficult situation, and it always struck the speaker as odd that all phrases meant the same thing but were food-related. The phrase originated from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" in a conversation between Trinculo and Alonzo.
ChapterThe Origins of "In a Pickle"
EpisodeInteresting Origins of Everyday Phrases
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The phrase "in a pickle" originated from the Dutch phrase "in de peckles zitten" which means in a bad situation.
29:21 - 31:50 (02:28)
Language
Summary
The phrase "in a pickle" originated from the Dutch phrase "in de peckles zitten" which means in a bad situation. It was introduced to the English language by Shakespeare and has since become a common phrase meaning to be in a tough situation.