It's Willie again
Posted by Bob on February 29, 2000
In Reply to: It's all Greek to me posted by Arnie on February 29, 2000
: : Hello,
: : Does anybody know the origin of the expression, "It's all Greek to me"?
: : I would be very interested to find out.
: : Thank you
: : Meyer.
: This is an observation rather than a definitive answer. I've heard the expression used to describe marks on the page which, from a distance, look like text but which, on close inspection reveal themselves as the mere marks they are. There are even word processors with the facility to 'Greek' your text.
: To say 'It's all Greek to me' means, of course, 'I see it but I have no idea what it means'
: I'm sure this doesn't help your quest but I feel much better having got it 'off my chest' - there's a phrase 'Off my chest' where did that originate I wonder?
Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
BRUTUS. And after that he came, thus sad, away?
CASCA. Ay.
CASSIUS. Did Cicero say anything?
CASCA. Ay, he spoke Greek.
CASSIUS. To what effect?
CASCA. Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look you i' the face
again; but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook
their heads; but for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could
tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs
off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fare you well.
- The origin of the phrase "it's Greek to me" Meyer