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Oct 23, 2009 11:19 pm US/Central
Good Question: 'Reply All' On Word Origins
(WCCO)
Some of the most popular "Good Question" submissions from viewers are about words and phrases, and their origins. So, we're hitting "Reply All" to questions about word origins.
• Why do we call it a hamburger when there isn't ham in it? - Terry from Edina
The word "hamburger" isn't about ham at all. In fact, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the origin traces to the birthplace of the hamburger: Hamburg, Germany.
• When we feel we have something accomplished, why do we say it's "in the bag?"
The phrase tracks to 1916 and the New York Giants. When the team was leading in the 9th inning: the ball boy carried the bag of baseballs off the field. The Giants won 26 games in a row. Each game: was in the bag.
• Why do we call the government, "Uncle Sam?" – Kaitlin from Staples
Samuel Wilson was a meat inspector, they called him "Uncle Sam." During the war of 1812, Wilson sent meat to the troops, stamped U.S. presumably to mean United States. The soldiers joked that the U.S. really meant: Uncle Sam. The connection, stood.
• Why do we call it the Secret Service, when it's not exactly secret? - Jeremy from Anna-Marie Byrne's class at Risen Christ Catholic School
The Secret Service was the first U.S. domestic spy agency, they were formed to be on the lookout for Americans who were counterfeiting money. That's why they were called a "secret" service.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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