Re: Spic(k) and span

Posted by Bruce Kahl on January 18, 2001

In Reply to: Spic(k) and span posted by vinnie rinaldi on January 18, 2001

: Spick and span means 'clean and tidy', per the archives.. anyone know where it came from?? thanks!
: Vinnie

Main Entry: spick-and-span
Variant(s): or spic-and-span /"spik-&n(d)-'span, "spik-&[ng]-/
Function: adjective
Etymology: short for spick-and-span-new, from obsolete English spick spike + English and + span-new brand-new
Date: 1665
1 : FRESH, BRAND-NEW
2 : spotlessly clean

• Re: Spic(k) and span Bruce Kahl 01/18/01
  • Re: Spic(k) and span vinnie rinaldi 01/19/01