Knickers in a knot

Posted by Smokey Stover on December 16, 2003

In Reply to: Knickers in a knot posted by ESC on December 16, 2003

: : : I checked the archives for this, and I found a previous query, but all that was offered was the definition, which I already know. What I didn't know was that the 'knickers in a knot' version was an Aussie variant of 'knickers in a twist'.

: : : Either way, how could such a saying have arisen? Why would anyone's knickers get twisted or knotted? And how did this become a reference to someone being all hot and bothered?

: : Try putting your knickers on very, very quickly - say you need to put them on before someone walks into the room you are in. That is probably how you'd twist them. You might even have to abandon your efforts and hide them in your pocket - not that I'm speaking from experience. *grin*

: A variation -- panties in a wad or in a bunch.

Mrs. Stover has confirmed that the American version of "Don't get your knickers in a knot!" is "Don't get your panties in a bunch." Q. (Me) What does that mean in the vernacular? A. (Her) It means don't get in a swivet. Q. What happens if she does get her panties in a bunch and gets in a swivet. A. She will probably have a cow. (No sexual connotation that Mrs. S. knows of.) SS

• Poor Mrs Stover Lotg 16/December/03