Brits reveal the top phrases and misnomers they don't understand
‘Raining cats and dogs’, ‘as easy as pie’ and ‘bite the bullet’ are among the most confusing turns of phrase, according to Brits.
A study of 2,000 adults found a third have been perplexed by an object’s name or a common-place expression.
‘A dime a dozen’ was the most confusing, according to 24 per cent, while ‘cat got your tongue’ (14 per cent) is also baffling.
When it comes to ‘misnomers’ or misleading names, ‘tennis bracelet’ (32 per cent), ‘herringbone’ (17 per cent) and ‘koala bear’ (16 per cent) were the top causes of confusion.
While ‘wisdom teeth’ (11 per cent), ‘gravy boat’ (13 per cent) and ‘cat burglar’ (10 per cent) also feature.
This has meant 22 per cent have used a misnomer in the wrong context, while 16 per cent have misunderstood what something does.
A study of 2,000 adults found a third have been perplexed by an object’s name or a common-place expression.
‘A dime a dozen’ was the most confusing, according to 24 per cent, while ‘cat got your tongue’ (14 per cent) is also baffling.
When it comes to ‘misnomers’ or misleading names, ‘tennis bracelet’ (32 per cent), ‘herringbone’ (17 per cent) and ‘koala bear’ (16 per cent) were the top causes of confusion.
While ‘wisdom teeth’ (11 per cent), ‘gravy boat’ (13 per cent) and ‘cat burglar’ (10 per cent) also feature.
This has meant 22 per cent have used a misnomer in the wrong context, while 16 per cent have misunderstood what something does.
Transcript
00:00In life, there are things that have got names that don't really suit what they are, or are simply wrong.
00:06I'm on a mission to find out what the great British public think about these interestingly named things.
00:12Welcome to Wrong Said Fred.
00:14This is called a funny bone, right? But it's not funny.
00:18Not at all.
00:19So, what should we call it?
00:20We're from France, so we would probably say coude.
00:23Are you sure you're from France?
00:25Arm, knee. That's what it is, isn't it?
00:29It's the knee of the arm.
00:31The name Piccadilly Circus is clearly wrong, right?
00:34Yeah.
00:35I mean, it's not a circus, so what would you call it if you had the opportunity?
00:38The Circle of Lateness, because every time I go through, I'm always late.
00:41Piccadilly Straight.
00:43No?
00:44Normal Square. Normal English Square.
00:46Normal English Square is now the new name of Piccadilly Circus.
00:51Don't know what to say.
00:52Now, I'm sure you've heard about Todd in the Hall.
00:54Yes.
00:55Now, where do you think the name comes from?
00:56Right, I've got a question to ask you.
00:58Why is it called Todd in the Hall?
01:00I've got no idea.
01:01Who knows? It's like a myth, right?
01:03These Lou Biscuits are called Le Petit Cookie.
01:06I'd like you to try one and tell me if you agree with the name.
01:09It doesn't feel like a small cookie.
01:11There's big flavours.
01:12I love it.
01:13Big energy. It's like, really good.
01:15Big chunks, not petite chunks.
01:20Well, that went well. What's next, then?
01:23French Fry Fred?
01:26Yes.