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    Why is it "thumb" in "green thumb" and not "finger"?

    Question #72765. Asked by tjoebigham. (Nov 29 06 1:51 PM)


    zbeckabee

    		According to James Underwood Crockett, it comes from the fact that algae growing on the outside of earthenware pots will stain a person's thumb (and fingers) if he or she handles enough pots. Hence, a person who is always working with flower-pots has a green thumb. Another theory is that it originated during the reign of King Edward I of England. He was fond of green peas and kept half a dozen serfs shelling them during the season. The serf who had the greenest thumb won a prize.

    http://oldwgms.bonnint.net/earchivesoct19.shtm

    Nov 29 06, 2:51 PM
    lanfranco

    		I'd love to know what prize might have been awarded to a champion pea-shelling serf. Why do I think that it probably wasn't his freedom?

    Nov 29 06, 5:10 PM
    davejacobs

    		In Britain we say green fingers anyway.

    Nov 29 06, 5:38 PM
    Gnomon

    		It's "green fingers", not "green thumb", here in Ireland as well.

    Nov 30 06, 7:47 AM

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