This week Opus Magnum is rounding out our list of the ten most popular posts from 2012. Today we’re down to #4. This post is another long-time favorite from our Jargon Genesis series – the final Jargon Genesis post in the top ten – explaining the history of the term, “Throw in the towel,” which actually originated as “throwing in the sponge.”
Browsing Tag
towel
“If we don’t get any traction with our sales in Asia this year, we’ll have to throw in the towel.”
Ever wondered about that phrase? You who are fans of boxing might be well versed in its etymology. Back in the day, whatever day that was, boxers would return to their corner after having their face bludgeoned by their opponents. There the manager, whose face was not bludgeoned, would give sage advice and wipe their fighter’s face clean with a sponge. I am inclined to derail this etymological explanation with a diatribe against a “sport” that is so barbaric, it regularly leaves its participants brain damaged, but I will restrain myself.