Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

Not sure if this should be classed as 'local dialect' but what the heck!

Where does the saying 'I've got a bone to pick with you' come from?

Mum and dad always said it if I had misbehaved.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I still use that one Mel, but don't know where it came from.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

It was said on Little Dorritt last week and set me thinking.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

At http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_boar ... /2182.html I found the following:

" : : : "Bone to pick," dates back to the 16th century, simply refers to a dog chewing endlessly on, and "picking clean," a large bone. A "bone to pick" is thus a subject or issue that is expected to require considerable discussion or argument. A similar phrase, "bone of contention," meaning an issue over which two people argue, also dates back to the 1500s and refers, appropriately, to two dogs fighting over an especially choice bone.

: : http://www.word-detective.com/052301.html

: It has a slightly different meaning here in Ireland. 'I have a bone to pick with you' means 'I believe you have done me wrong and I want to know why.'

:::Here in the States the meaning is the same. A 'bone to pick' is an issue to be discussed and resolved between individuals. "

You pays your money and you picks your bone!

Charon

I think when my dad used to say it to me, I had done wrong and he wanted to know why!

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

A bone to pick, where I come from, is more in line with the Irish explanation. Maybe because of the number of families of Irish descent (including mine).

_________________
Maureen
If you can't fight, wear a big 'at

Same here !

_________________
Trish ...