To smash to smithereens pre-1930?

Posted by Shae on June 25, 2005

In Reply to: To smash to smithereens pre-1930? posted by Gary on June 24, 2005

: : Can anybody give me the origin of "to smash to smithereens" - I am particularly interested in whether it is pre-1930s, or not - I need it for a translation. Or can anyone suggest an alternative which would apply to - say - the Great War and "smashing a regiment into smithereens" - many thanks.

: The OED has a reference to this from 1829 and suggests that the word comes from the Irish 'smidirín' meaning small parts.

: G. GRIFFIN Collegians:

: "A body would tink it hardly safe to stand here under 'em, in dread dey'd come tumblin' down, may be, an' make smiddereens of him, bless de mark!"

We had a discussion about this last year. See www.phrases.org.uk bulletin_board 37 messages 745.html

• To smash to smithereens pre-1930? ESC 25/June/05