What's that when it's at home

Posted by Gary on August 13, 2002

In Reply to: What's that when it's at home posted by Kathy on August 13, 2002

: I am interested to learn of the derivation of the phrase "what's that when it's at home", where 'that' can be a word that the speaker/writer does not understand the meaning of.

: with thanks
: Kathy

The 'that' could also be an event or object that is unexplained or unusual, e.g. a strange noise in the night or a bizarre haircut.

The phrase was mostly used in the English Midlands and North and probably originated there. It is rather archaic now and I wouldn't expect to hear it from anyone under sixty.

• Under 60 Word Camel 08/13/02