3 ms·
This article reminded me of the story about snake oil. At one time it was considered a traditional medicine. In the early 1900's products were sold claiming t
by mast 10y ago
This article reminded me of the story about snake oil. At one time it was considered a traditional medicine. In the early 1900's products were sold claiming to contain snake oil but didn't. This lead to the modern usage of the term.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_oil https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_oil
- wmeredith 10y agoThe term "blowing smoke" has a similar origin. There is an outdated and defunct medicinal practice of blowing smoke up one's rectum as a sort of cleanse. The of course turned to be of, uh, dubious effectiveness for curing ailments. Hence the modern term, blowing smoke, which means someone is bullshitting you.
- nommm-nommm 10y agoIn modern times smoke is replaced with coffee. And it can be deadly. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_enema https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_enema