In Reply to: Re: Soft soap posted by Graham Cambray on February 16, 2009 at 20:59:
: : Do you know the origin of the phrase "to soft soap"?
: ............
: At http://www.answers.com/topic/soft-soap they have:
: This colloquial expression alludes to liquid soap, likening its slippery quality to insincere flattery. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1830.
: (GC)
Stuart Berg Flexner, in two references, says it dates back to 1830. But no further details.