a song and dance – a fuss and all that jazz – and other similar things as clean as a whistle – very clean or clear/without any incriminating evidence clear as a bell – perfectly clear/very clear fit as a fiddle – very fit/in perfect health for a song – very cheaply it takes two to tango – both people/parties involved are equally responsible like a broken record – annoyingly repetitive (usually used to describe someone constantly repeating an unwanted or unpleasant opinion) music to my ears – welcome good news rings a bell – sounds familiar to call a tune – to take initiative/to decide what to do on behal...
Today marks the birthday of an important figure in music history, best known for the invention of the Saxophone. Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax was born this day in 1814. To commemorate his contributions to music, 6th of November is celebrated annually as National Saxophone Day. The word Saxophone is a compound of ‘Sax’ (after Adolphe) and ‘Phone’. The name Sax spans from the Germanic Sachs literally meaning ‘Saxon’ or ‘one from Saxony’. The suffix ‘Phone’ is derived from the Greek ‘Phonos’ meaning ‘sounding’ or ‘voice’. Not to be confused with another Greek definition for ‘Phono...
This week is all about freedom. On Tuesday we had International Jazz Day, a celebration of music breaking racial boundaries through music. Angelique Kidjo describes music as having ‘no nationality, no boundary no colour; jazz belongs as much to you as it belongs to me’. On Wednesday, we have International Worker’s day, which represents the right to fair employment. Finally, on Friday, it is Press Freedom Day. A day to celebrate, promote and encourage freedom of the media. It’s always nice to have a word for Wednesday choose itself and I couldn’t think of a more fitting one for this week! Freedom is a word that has strong emotional connotations for...
‘A mish-mash of colliding egos, conflicting claims and confused memories has led researchers down many false trails while searching for the origins of this American art form, not least where the name came from.’ – Posh and Other Language Myths, Michael Quinion. This unusual word has fascinated scholars and the public alike since its very gradual and shrouded inception sometime in early twentieth century America. Although its history has been rather well documented, its early use and actual origin is still shrouded in mystery. The word Jazz continues to be and always has been a very versatile word encompassing a plethora of different meanings and even spellings. Spelli...
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