Sagey's Post on a certain idiomatic phrase involving mammary glands has been bugging me. While the explanation given in the said post is... novel, shall we say, I had to get to the heart(breast?) of the matter.
It turns out that, the primary meaning of tits-up is, dead or not operating; in short, kaput. A little bit more digging uncovers the fact that it's actually a vulgar form of the idiom belly-up < realization dawns >. I dunno about vulgar really; it does give the expression a feminine feel to it, and is far more fascinating than plain boring belly-up; it's almost alluring. So tits-up is infact used to indicate something going horribly wrong, but by so using the term, you are subconsciously beguiling yourself into believing it's a good thing, see.
So, that's one mystery taken care of. But somewhere along the way I stumble across this list of tit-idioms.
useless as tits on a boar - Why? I'm sure they enjoy it as well...
suck the hind tit - Raw deal? C'mon it's a tit after all...
tits in a wringer - get into trouble? Isn't this an understatement? Ouch.
tough titty - tough luck. I guess that's accurate.
And then, thanks to WordIQ I find out that if you're in the army it ain't tits-up but, Tango Uniform. Military slang rocks! I wish I had watched more war movies. This post is FUBAR, ain't it! How concise, yet expressive; I love it!
And when I think I'm finally done, I come across Ruptured Duck. I guess Marduk will not be all that flattered.
I am now sure that I have shamefully transgressed blogger etiquette by making this particular obligatory_marduk_reference and by harping on Thimal's pet topic, and indiscriminately referencing various blogs in general.
The room is still stationary and the floor is as horizontal as ever, but something inside me tells me I should stop...
urped by gumz @ 4:06 PM
