Pop yer clogs
Posted by ESC on June 02, 2006
In Reply to: Pop yer clogs posted by sheena on June 02, 2006
: who knows where the phrase "pop yer clogs" comes from. We have a hypothesis that it comes from people pawning goods to pay for the funeral.
: look forward to hearing comments
Here's one theory from the archives courtesy of Mr. Briggs:
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.
- Pop yer clogs David FG 03/June/06