phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Lost your marbles

Posted by James Briggs on January 25, 2001

In Reply to: Lost your marbles posted by ESC on January 25, 2001

: : can anyone tell me what the origin of lost your marbles is, please.

: I couldn't find any information in my reference books. However, I am assuming that the origin would be in the child's game of marbles.

Possibles:
1.Rhyming slang; 'marble halls = balls = testicles'
2. ditto. 'marbles & conkers = bonkers'
3. Slang for 'money' from 19C.
Source: Cassel Dictionary of Slang

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.