> Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 19:52:05 -0500 (CDT)
> From: Doc <doc_at_mdrconsult.com>
> To: classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org
> Subject: Re: Googling and "egg-sucking" (was Re: "Toy" computers...)
> In-Reply-To: <3CD004D7.3282.A8CC01B_at_localhost>
>
> On Wed, 1 May 2002, Stan Sieler wrote:
> > and, re:
> > > Hey, guys. Simplify. A Google search on the phrase "suck eggs" leads
> > > to a clear explanation of the historical use of the phrase, dating
> > > back to the 16th century in English, and older in other languages.
> > >
> > > < http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-tea1.htm >
> >
> > Nice try, but it doesn't address what I think most people are interested
> > in learning about (for that phrase, anyway :) ... sucking eggs.
> > It address, instead, the concept of teaching people something they
> > already know.
>
> Well, I dunno what most people are interested in learning about, but I
> know that referral to "teaching people something they already know" was
> the point of my original use of the phrase.
I thought people on this list were interested in historical stuff.
An investigation into the antiquity of the expression seemed appropriate.
On the same Web page one finds a much more antique version of the same
idea in Latin, which can be translated as "Don't teach a fish to swim".
carl
--
carl lowenstein marine physical lab u.c. san diego
clowenstein_at_ucsd.edu
Received on Fri May 03 2002 - 01:41:31 BST