Pop your clogs

Posted by ESC on May 11, 2004

In Reply to: Pop your clogs posted by abi on May 11, 2004

: I know this means to die but how did this phrase come about?

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.