Artemidorus, your post peaked my curiosity about this phrase, "taking the ****". It is new to me so I decided to do some research. For the benefit of our friends West of the pond, here is what I found (source: www.worldwidewords.org).artemidorus said:
It’s usually said that the phrase derives from an older one, ****-proud, which refers to having an erection when waking up in the morning, which is usually attributed to a full bladder (proud here being an obvious pun on its senses of something raised or projecting and of something in which one may take satisfaction).
It’s first recorded, as so many such indecorous expressions are, in Francis Grose’s A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue; in the second edition of 1788 he wrote: “****-proud, having a false erection. That old fellow thought he had an erection, but his — was only ****-proud; said of any old fellow who marries a young wife”.
This developed into a figurative sense of somebody who had an exaggerated idea of his own importance. So to take the **** is to deflate somebody, to disabuse them of their mistaken belief that they are special. It’s not recorded before the beginning of the twentieth century.
In other words, it is being suspected that Mr. Shipp believes I have an exaggerated idea of my own importance and is attempting to "take me down a notch", or "take the wind out of my sails". If this is so, Mr. Shipp is more than welcome to try. This is an open thread and I encourage Mr. Shipp's free speech and I will not try to squelch that free speech. I’m happy to openly admit I am absolutely, positively, without doubt, NOT an expert about all aspects of firearms. I’ll even admit that I’m not an expert on ANY single aspect of firearms.This developed into a figurative sense of somebody who had an exaggerated idea of his own importance. So to take the **** is to deflate somebody, to disabuse them of their mistaken belief that they are special. It’s not recorded before the beginning of the twentieth century.
Who in the world could claim to be an expert on ALL areas of firearm knowledge? There is simply too much information for one person to digest. I expect an expert in firearms history would admit to not being an expert in firearms gunsmithing. I expect an expert in firearms engraving and presentation pieces would admit to not being an expert in tactical entry methods. I expect an expert in firearm wildcat cartridge reloading would admit to not being an expert in firearms law and legislation.
What I do claim to have is a sincere interest in firearms in general. What I do claim to have is a sincere interest in cycling. What I do claim to have is an unquenchable thirst for knowledge in general, including history, science, cooking, music, law, cycling, and more areas than I can even remember at the moment. What I do claim is having a true desire to never quit learning…ever. I do claim it is a fact that I have actively studied and shot a wide variety of firearms since the mid-1970’s. What I do NOT claim is to “know-it-all”.
My goal in this thread is to discuss all aspects of firearms as they relate to the world of bicycling while always promoting safety, safety, safety. If Mr. Shipp is truly trying to “take the ****” from me, I would like to invite him to think about redirecting his energy to a more beneficial end by jumping on this thread’s band wagon in a positive way. Alpha-male-posturing is for testosterone-overloaded-teenagers who are full of ****-and-vinegar, which does this thread no good. I would like to keep this thread on an even keel of information, discussion, and cooperation if at all possible. In any event, Mr. Shipp’s comments are always welcome.
