(no subject)

[geekchick]

Random things I was thinking about today #38: ever notice how many people who would never dream of using the phrase "jewed down" are okay with claiming they've been "gypped"? (The former was not something I ever really heard growing up, although the latter was a term nearly everyone I knew (myself included) used.)

I've been sort of examining my own prejudices recently, but I'm too tired at the moment to really noodle about it here. Maybe later, after more sleep.

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I've let go of that word since I found out where it came from.

[geekchick]

Me too. I'll confess I had never really thought much about the etymology.

[elynne.livejournal.com]

1. I've never heard the phrase "jewed down" - does it have to do with, I don't know, haggling?
2. I have no idea what the background of "gypped" is - where does it come from?

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

1. Yes. To "jew someone down" is to haggle a lower price.

2. Gypsies.

[geekchick]

does it have to do with, I don't know, haggling?

Yep, it roughly translates to haggling to reduce a price.

Re: gypped, there's some disagreement on the real etymology but it's often considered to come from "gypsy" and refer to the stereotype of gypsies as cheats and swindlers. It was the subject of a defective yeti research day not too long ago. =) I think I generally agree with the World Wide Words entry that says that probably most people who use the word don't make that association, I know I certainly didn't.

[elynne.livejournal.com]

Hm... well, it's something that I will certainly think about when/if I ever use that word again. :/

[aroraborealis.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I grew up saying "gypped", and, in fact, although I've really tried to stop saying it, I feel it leaves a conceptual gap in my vocabulary.

It wasn't until I was in high school that I heard "jewed" (not "jewed down") used in the same way as "gypped", and that's when I stopped and thought about where "gypped" must have come from. It's a bigger leap, though, especially if you've never seen it spelled.

[gsh]

I've never in my life used "jewed down" but I do use "gypped".

[dawnd.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that was one that bugged me when I found out about it too. As you say, spelling it was the thing that finally brought it to consciousness. OTOH, I've also heard at least one person use "jawed down" (as in talked down) as a substitute for "jewed down." Then of course there is "indian giver." ;^)