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Oh, and another thing

Posted by ESC on May 28, 2000

In Reply to: Oh, and another thing posted by Bob on May 26, 2000

: : : : A co-worker and myself were discussing the phrase "chomping at the bit"
: : : : He insists that the phrase is actually "champing at the bit" but has been changed
: : : : over time.

: : : : Can you please settle this debate ... If you could provide the origin and meaning behing
: : : : the saying that would be great!!!

: : : : Thanks

: : : I haven't found it yet. But it has got to be "chomping at the bit" as in a horse chomping or biting at its bit, ready to be on its way.

: : In the 14th century it was "champing." The pronounciation has changed to chomping, but the sense is the same. I tend to use "champing" but I'm a 14th century kind of guy, so I think you could use either without raising eyebrows.

: You asked about origins. The dictionary reports that it's "probably imitative." Seems reasonable. If you say champ champ champ champ champ champ rapidly, it sounds horse-like.

Goes to show you never can tell. Here I'd been going around saying "chomping" all this time.

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