The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #139957   Message #3214219
Posted By: Richard Bridge
28-Aug-11 - 07:05 PM
Thread Name: BS: Fossilised phrases
Subject: RE: BS: Fossilised phrases
"Willy nilly" - the slightly corrupt transliteration of the Latin "volens nolens".

"Blighty touch"

"Willy" - again from the Latin "Membrum virile"

"Mad as a hatter" - how long since top hat makers used mercury?