For What It’s Worth: Silver Bullet
The expression “silver bullet” is a conflation of a medical term coined by a Nobel laureate and the calling card of a legendary lawman of the Old West. […]
For What It’s Worth
For What It’s Worth: Skin in the Game
Credit for coining the term “skin in the game” commonly goes to the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett. But as wise and quotable as the billionaire is, the internet can easily overattribute him. As Yogi Berra is said to have said, “I never said most of the things I said.” […]
For What It’s Worth: Ballpark
In a nod to the Milwaukee Brewers and their postseason foray, our occasional exploration of the origins of financial expressions takes a swing at a common term that comes from America’s favorite pastime: Ballpark. […]
For What It’s Worth: Bulls and Bears
Bears and Bulls aren’t just the names of Chicago-based sports teams. They’re symbols of investor expectations. Since the 1700s, bears have been associated with investors anticipating prices will go down, while bulls believe prices are trending upward. As part of an occasional exploration of the origins of financial lingo, Joel Dresang hunts down how these creatures wound up on Wall Street. […]
For What It’s Worth: Palm Grease
The practice of slipping someone a bribe and saying you’re greasing their palm has been going on for centuries. […]
For What It’s Worth: Ducks in a Row
By Joel Dresang
I took a cue from a meme tweeted by the Internal Revenue Service. It encouraged taxpayers to prepare for the filing season by getting their “ducks in a row.” I am familiar with the expression, which means to get ready by arranging and organizing, by getting your facts straight. I wondered, though, about its origin. I wasn’t alone. […]
For What It’s Worth: Grain of Salt
When you’re advised to take something with a grain of salt, is it a matter of taste or wit? Joel Dresang explores the origins of a centuries-old idiom. For What It’s Worth is an occasional look at the etymology of common words and expressions used in personal finance and investing. […]
For What It’s Worth: Chair
For What It’s Worth is an occasional look at the meanings and origins of words and expressions investors may encounter. In this instance, we consider the preferred title for Janet Yellen, who’s seated at the head of the Federal Reserve. […]
For What It’s Worth: Stock
Financially speaking, a stock is a stake in a corporation. Etymologically, though, a stock is part of a stick. […]
For What It’s Worth: Rule of Thumb
An occasional look at the meanings and origins of expressions investors may encounter considers an imprecise digital measurement. […]
For What It’s Worth: Nest Egg
As part of our occasional examination of words and expressions used in investing and finance, Joel Dresang considers the term nest egg. It is used a lot to refer broadly to a designated pot of money, but you really should consider it along the lines of those first couple of dollars a bartender puts in the tip jar to attract more money. It’s a stimulus fund. […]
For What It’s Worth: Salting Away
As part of an occasional series examining the origins of common financial expressions, we get a taste of the savory saying “salting away” as it refers to saving money for the long haul. […]