To pop one's clogs

Posted by James Briggs on February 01, 2004

In Reply to: To pop one's clogs posted by Henry on January 31, 2004

: : To pop one's clogs means to die but what is it's origin?

: Possibly to pawn one's clogs. As clogs were once essential, this would only be done if one had no further need of them - if one was dead.

The word 'pop', meaning to 'pawn', is an integral part of the Victorian song 'Pop goes the weasel', where a 'weasel' is thought to be a tradesman's specialised tool. The above suggested origin for 'pop your clogs' rings very true to me.