Any ideas on the origin of this phrase?

Posted by ESC on July 05, 2004

In Reply to: Any ideas on the origin of this phrase? posted by RICKYG on July 04, 2004

: What is the origin of the phrase "Pay Attention"?

I don't know, but I can tell you a joke. "When I was young, we were too poor to pay attention."

Merriam-Webster lists this as a meaning for "pay":

5 : to give, offer, or make freely or as fitting Pay attention. Pay your respects.