Plus the meanings behind a few other popular phrases

Happy Thursday In our modern vernacular, the phrase "that's just semantics" has somehow become shorthand to insinuate the speaker has argued something trivial or unimportant. But what does it really mean? Find out in our article. Is it 'Jury-rigged' or 'Jerry-rigged'? By Laurie L. Dove Make sure you don't get it twisted; the difference is nuanced but vital. Read more >> More About Popular Phrases 'In a Pickle' Is the Rare Idiom to Predate Shakespeare Have you ever been in a pickle? If so, you might have wondered where the phrase comes from. Read more >> Why Do We Say, 'Close, But No Cigar'? This phrase is most often used when someone is nearly — but not quite — successful at something. Read more >> The Phrase 'Holy Cow' Sports Surprising Origins Believe it or not, the saying has nothing to do with religion. Read more >> Why Do We Say 'Bless You' or 'Gesundheit' When People Sneeze? Many of us offer a blessing when someone sneezes, and we don't even know why. Read more >> Why 'Wednesday' Isn't Pronounced the Way It's Spelled   Most Americans don't pronounce the first "d" in Wednesday. But there it is, sitting pretty. So what gives? Read more >> Riddle of the Day! What gets wet while drying?   Check Your Answer What did you think of this email?   Copyright © 2023 HowStuffWorks, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website howstuffworks.com Our mailing address is: HowStuffWorks 4235 Redwood Ave Marina Del Rey, CA 90066 Want to change how you receive these promotional emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list