I remember my parents using the lovely phrase, “As Snug as a BUG in a RUG” as they tucked me up, warm and cosy into my bed at night when I was just a small child. The wording simply means, you will be comfortable, warm and cosy as you settle down, under your blankets and drift off to sleep. The connotation and story behind the old saying is that a moth larva or caterpillar cocoon is safe and contentedly feeding and sleeping, waiting until they are ready to become a moth or beautiful butterfly. If you want your children to be warm and cosy and “SNUG as a BUG in a RUG” then why not have new Aluminium Radiators fitted all around your home?
I’ve often used the phrase “As MAD as a HATTER” in a light hearted way, when referring to friends or family who are acting irrationally or not thinking clearly! The story behind this odd saying dates back to the 17th and 18th Centuries when Hat Makers of the time often appeared to be mad when they were in fact being poisoned by the Mercury that they used to make their felt hats! They would become very irritable, start shaking and become withdrawn making acquaintances and family believe they had gone mad!
The English language is full of weird and wonderful sayings that are used on a daily basis but how often do we stop and think about where the saying comes from or what it really means?
