Why do we say the things we say?

Doing that thing you do No Images? Click here         When we deeply desire someone or something, we often say we’re “pining for” them. “If the downfall of Alex Rodriguez leaves you pining for a true sports hero, try skateboarder Danny Renaud,” writer Michael Daly began a 2013 Daily Beast profile. Etsy is full of cards and signs featuring illustrations of pine trees, along with the text “I pine for you.” Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop website even offers a recipe for a drink called “Pining for You.” But why do we use the word “pining” in this context? “Does it have anything to do with pine trees?” a colleague recently asked. So off Caroline Bologna, HuffPost’s resident debunker, went, searching for an answer. And while you could certainly draw a connection to trees -- after all, pine trees produce sap, and we tend to refer to overly romantic and emotional things like “pining for” someone as “sappy” -- it turns out “to pine” doesn’t seem to have anything to do with pine trees. Wanna know more random facts about the way we speak? Why Don’t We Say ‘You’re Welcome’ Anymore? Why The Phrase ‘Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps’ Is Nonsense Here’s Why We Say ‘Pushing The Envelope’ 50 Americanisms That Don’t Make Sense To Foreigners The Not-So-Simple History Of Why We Call Dollars ‘Bucks’ Why Are Alcoholic Drinks Called ‘Booze’ What Do ‘A.M.’ And ‘P.M.’ Stand For Anyway? Preach!     Yep...   Long read to love: Consider this your handy go-to guide for your next trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (haven’t been? GO, DO IT): 21 delightful, sugary and indulgent treats to try while there. YUM The more you know: 50 British Baby Name Ideas For Anglophiles This Is Why Red Delicious Apples Suck So Hard You Might Be Washing Your Hands Too Often    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe