When knuckleheads fly off the handle there might be a problem. IWSG, Quotes, Being Thankful

 Origins: a recurring post in which I delve into the history of a word or phrase.

Today's phrase is: Fly off the Handle

This idiom has been around from as early as1816 and is American in origin. You probably know it means to become angry especially without warning and, I might add, over nothing. It comes from the very particular and dangerous example of an axe head coming loose and flying off its handle.

In 1828 there was this bit of news from Philadelphia in The United States Gazette.

On Saturday morning...two sons of Mr. Jonas Hackman were engaged at chopping wood on Mr. Frankenfield's...when the axed of one of them flew off the handle and struck his brother, aged 17 years, with the sharp edge on the breast, the bone of which was entirely severed by the blow. A surgeon was immediately sent for and notwithstanding the wound had opened so that it stood at least four inches apart when he arrived, he succeeded in closing it within a quarter of an inch. The boy is doing well and hopes are entertained of a speedy recovery.

Since axes have been around for a least 44,000 years I suspect axe heads have occasionally flown off their handles for just as long. You can find more examples of flying off the handle HERE.

Today's Weird Word is: Knucklehead

This American word describing a stupid person, has been around since the 1890s. Apparently it became more popular in 1942 when the US Air Force used a cartoon character named R. F. Knucklehead to help train recruits. 

There doesn't appear to be any particular story of how the knuckle and head got put together to describe someone who is not particularly bright.

Of course, there is also the Harley-Davidson knucklehead engine...

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Posting the First Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group, is the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh. YOU can sign up HERE to participate.

Every month a question will be posed that may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Remember, the question is optional. You can write about anything that relates to your writing journey.

Let's give a warm welcome to our co-hosts: Rebecca Douglass, Natalie Aguirre, Cathrina Constantine, and Louise Barbour!

This month's question is: Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it? Short answer. No. However, in the long ago I did try my hand at fantasy. I got so caught up in world building that only one story of the many I started made it to the finish line. I haul it out from time to time to see if it's worthy of being worked on. I still find it hilarious, a kind of DiscWorld meets Oz mashup.

Quotes of the Mont

“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” 

Fred Astaire

“Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them.” 

Anna Magnani, actress

“Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” 

Charles Schulz

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” 

William Shakespeare

Being Thankful

At the end of June I hit a milestone birthday.

I am thankful to have made it to my

Diamond Jubilee!

My two BFFs threw me a little party. Just the three of us.

Got this lovely hat (along with a couple of other nice things) 

and a fun butterfly crown.

We spent the weekend putting jigsaw puzzles together, 

nibbling on food and drinking beer flights.

All in moderation, of course.

Here's hoping we have a Fourth of July to celebrate in the years to come.

"May the foundation of our new constitution, be justice, Truth and Righteousness. Like the wise Mans house may it be founded upon those Rocks and then neither storms or tempests will overthrow it."  Abigail Adams

Have you ever flown of the handle? Ever been called a knucklehead? Is there a genre you haven't written in that you might like to try?