Re: To have a crush on

Posted by bob on June 07, 2003

In Reply to: Re: To have a crush on posted by ESC on June 07, 2003

: : Why is the word 'crush' used to as a synonym for an infatuation? I know a crush can mean a hug, but it still doesn't entirely make sense to me...

: : Crushable Camel

: I didn't find the "why" but I found the "when."

: CRUSH ON, TO HAVE A - To be infatuated with, attracted to. This euphemism originated in the United States as a slang term about 1914. It was institutionalized by the popular song of the twenties, written by the Gershwins (George and Ira), which crooned, "I've got a crush on you, Sweetie Pie.' In later usage, ca. 1929, A CRUSH became the person one HAD A THING FOR, or in British terms, WAS GONE ON." From "Wordsworth Book of Euphemism" by Judith S. Neaman and Carole G. Silver (Wordsworth Editions, Hertfordshire, 1995)

There's a nice scene in the film "Sixteen Candles" where Samantha admits to being in pain from not being noticed by the boy she likes . Her father (played by Paul Dooley) says That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call them something else.