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Expressions used in the 1800s p.23
  Expressions used in the 1800s p.23
 
Every time period has its own set of commonly used expressions. It is hard to say where these sayings come from, but everyone knows what they mean. As time goes by, certain expressions stop being used, and people find new ways of saying things. Some of the phrases used in Amelia's time can seem pretty funny and ridiculous, while others are still familiar today. Here are a few examples:

acknowledge the corn: to admit that you have lied
balderdash: nonsense
chirk: cheerful
exfluncticate: to destroy completely
hornswoggle: to cheat
let her rip: let it go
one-horse: small
ornary: grumpy or mean
streaked: frightened
wrathy: angry

            
 
In addition to expressions from the 1800s that aren't used anymore, there are many terms that we would no longer recognize today. “Four-in-hand” was the term commonly used for driving a team of four horses.

Omnibusses were early trolleys that were pulled by horses.

 
  Nautical Origins
Learn how many phrases we use today came from terms used on ships.
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