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    What is the origin of the phrase 'dressed to the nines'?

    Question #86481. Asked by bjb. (Sep 26 07 6:36 PM)


    lanfranco

    		There are quite a few theories about the origins and meaning of this idiom -- one goes all back to the 14th century -- but none has ever been supported with hard evidence. Here is an interesting discussion:


    http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dressed-to-the-nines.html

    Sep 26 07, 6:47 PM
    zbeckabee

    		An added tidbit to the above post:

    "This expression is, according to the complete Oxford English Dictionary, recorded from 1793 in the poetry of Robert Burns: 'Thou paints auld Nature to the nines', it is recorded in a slang dictionary published in 1859. Slang is always difficult to pin down, and old slang is almost impossible."


    http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutwordorigins/nines?view=uk

    Sep 26 07, 7:06 PM
    McGruff

    		Also see Question #52472.

    Sep 26 07, 7:45 PM

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