Bread and butter notes

Posted by Marcus on January 02, 2001

In Reply to: Bread and butter notes posted by Bob on January 01, 2001

: : : : Hi,
: : : : ...looking for the derivation of this phrase and meaning ( bread and butter).
: : : : THANK YOU!

: : : BREAD AND BUTTER - One meaning of this phrase is one's livelihood - how you get money (bread) to pay the rent ("keep a roof over your head) and buy food and send the kids to college. The use of the phrase in this manner is: "to quarrel with one's bread and butter - To complain about one's means of livelihoood, to act against one's best interests.our English phrase for expressing such lack of reason dates back not more than two centuries." From Heavens to Betsy! and Other Curious Sayings by Charles Earle Funk (Harper & Row, New York, 1955).

: : : There's another use of the phrase regarding etiquette but I'm not sure about this one. I believe "bread and butter notes" are thank you cards or letters. Can anyone confirm that?

: : Yes indeed, certainly here in Britain! It's usually known as a 'bread and butter letter'.

: Yes in the US too. Thank you cards and notes that you are obliged to send... like a note to follow an interview.

: We have "bread and butter" plays in football. They are generally designed for "short yardage, go for it or else" situations. It is something that we practice and are very good at.
I will send a card next chance I get.