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Jul 20, 2025
This week’s themeBiblical idioms This week’s words Adam and Eve mess of pottage salt of the earth writing on the wall feet of clay How popular are they? Relative usage over time AWADmail archives Index Next week’s theme Back-formations 
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AWADmail Issue 1203A Compendium of Feedback on the Words in A.Word.A.Day and Other Tidbits about Words and LanguageSponsor’s Message: “I had a love-hate relationship with the Army. We both loved it before I joined. And we both hated it when I was in.” Johnny Mustard, Yuk, Retired is a highly-fictionalized account of our hero’s ignominious and thankfully brief time as a West Point cadet. Buy Now. From: Anu Garg (words at wordsmith.org) Subject: Interesting stories from the Net Mysterious Pre-Islamic Script From Oman Finally Deciphered Science Permalink Can AI Speak the Language Japan Tried to Kill? BBC Permalink From: Michael Poxon (mikethestarman gmail.com) Subject: Adam and Eve The expression also occurs in Cockney rhyming slang as “believe” so “Would you adam and eve it” = “Would you believe it” and in common with many other CRS expression, the second part is often omitted, so “Would you adam it?” Michael Poxon, Norwich, UK From: Nigel Hinton (nhinton.99 gmail.com) Subject: Adam and Eve There is one further meaning for the expression Adam and Eve in Cockney rhyming slang, as in “I wouldn’t Adam and Eve it”, meaning “I wouldn’t believe it.” I was called up for National Service in 1959 into an army regiment with close historical connections to the East End of London, the home of rhyming slang. I was a ‘foreigner’, I came from 25 miles outside of London, and found it very hard to get to grips with the slang at first, the slang was used continuously in day-to-day conversations. The regiment that I was called up into was the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, a mercenary unit formed to fight in the battle for independence in America in the 18th century. Nigel Hinton, East Preston, UK From: Henry M. Willis (hmw ssdslaw.com) Subject: Adam and Eve The first thing that popped into my head when I saw Adam and Eve was Adam and Eve on a raft, the shorthand used by the cooks and servers for an order of two poached or fried eggs on a piece of toast. I’ve never heard anyone actually say this -- the expression was already something of a relic when I first read about it as a kid, as diners were giving way to fast food franchises even then. But once upon a time the people who worked at diners amused themselves by coining dozens of these coded phrases -- axle grease for butter or city juice for water, to name a few. Some, such as Joe and Java for coffee and sinkers for doughnuts, entered the general public’s vocabulary. But most of them remained a private language or a private joke that the rest of us only heard when a waitress or counterman shouted them to the kitchen. Henry Willis, Los Angeles, California From: Keelin (pk2sea icloud.com) Subject: Adam and Eve Many years ago, I attended the interactive comedy play Late Nite Catechism in which a fictional Catholic nun takes the stage as the teacher with audience members becoming her class. Near the end of the show when invited to ask questions, I raised my hand to inquire in all innocence: “Why do paintings of Adam and Eve always sport a spot of belly button?” After the quickest flash of consternation, the seasoned actor recovered her composure. Remaining in perfect character, she took a deep, audible breath while slowly shaking her head. “That,” she proclaimed, “is what we call a holy mystery! Next question, over there?” Keelin, Napa, California From: Andy Funk (afunk alum.wpi.edu) Subject: Adam and Eve Does this painting of Adam and Eve depict the first mansplaining? Andy Funk, Acton, Massachusetts From: Douglas Bowen (dugbo2.0 gmail.com) Subject: The Adam and Eve painting The painting reminded me of something that has annoyed me for quite some time. I wonder why modern man seems to be so afraid of genitals, in particular penises, how many ancient statues are there that show those people were not afraid of the human anatomy and portrayed it accurately. It seems that even the figures on the Sistine Chapel ceiling were anatomically correct but a later pope decided they had to paint little aprons over everyone’s privates. I’m fed up with the parochialism of the western world generally and the US specifically. Just a comment I know nothing’s gonna change, but I got it off my chest, thank you very much. Doug Bowen, Riverside, California From: Chris Stephenson (chris.stephenson comcast.net) Subject: Northrop Frye
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Literature encourages tolerance -- bigots and fanatics seldom have any use for the arts, because they’re so preoccupied with their beliefs and actions that they can’t see them also as possibilities. -Northrop Frye, writer and critic (14 Jul 1912-1991) I was delighted to see the quote from Northrop Frye this morning. I took his “The Bible as Literature” course when I was an undergrad at the University of Toronto 45 years ago and I still get a lot of Jeopardy answers as a result.:-) He really was a brilliant man and a lovely person. Dr. Chris Stephenson, Eugene, Oregon From: David Schlussel (david key-properties.com) Subject: Northrop Frye The Northrop Frye quote is a conceit. Despots have been responsible for much art in the world and also collected much art -- from Roman times to medieval times to the modern period. Even Hitler was a bestselling author (for some reason placed in the category of non-fiction), sponsor of visual and performing arts, and a collector of fine arts (ignoring his mediocre talent as an artist). David Schlussel, Teaneck, New Jersey
Email of the Week -- Brought to you buy Johnny Mustard, Yuk, Retired. The Corps Has!
From: SarahRose Werner (swerner nbnet.nb.ca) Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--mess of pottage What’s interesting about the painting you used to illustrate this phrase is that in it, Esau already has food. He’s got a dead rabbit, presumably one he’s shot. All he has to do is to skin it and roast it. But no, Esau wants food fast. He wants fast food, so to speak. And the pottage his brother Jacob has already prepared is sitting right there. Esau wants fast food so much, he’s prepared to give up his birthright to get it. Modern consumers of fast food should take note. SarahRose Werner, Saint John, Canada From: Jeff Gaynor (jeffreytoddgaynor gmail.com) Subject: John Lewis
USAGE: “‘I think he has sold his soul for a mess of pottage.’ -Democratic Congressman John Lewis on reports that Zell Miller, a conservative Democratic senator from Georgia, will speak at the Republican convention.” United States: On the Trail; The Economist (London, UK); Jul 3, 2004. Good to see the quote by John Lewis, given Thu is a day of protest across the country in his honor. Jeff Gaynor, Ann Arbor, Michigan From: Erika Fischer (e.fischer comcast.net) Subject: Salt of the earth You might enjoy Kurlansky’s book, Salt, which explores how salt preserved cuisine, built some of the largest empires, its reverence and history throughout the ages. Erika Fischer, Washington, DC From: Michael Murray (mmurray1936 icloud.com) Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--salt of the earth As an ordained minister living in south Texas, I preached sermons on the idea that we are called to be salt of the earth. It wasn’t until I moved from Kingsville, TX, to Pittsburgh, PA, that I learned that there is one more “role” that salt can play, in addition to the ones you mention: it melts! Some folks are frozen or stuck in certain mindsets or behaviors. Sometimes another human can help them get “melted” in the best sense of that word. Thanks for your column; I have always enjoyed words and language and the miracle of communication. (Take it apart: it really is some kind of miracle that something generated in one person’s brain can end up in the brain of another! Think about every step that has to happen for the firing of neurons in one brain to activate those in a separate individual... it’s a miracle. Mike Murray, Austin, Texas From: Helga Kleisny (helgakleisny gmail.com) Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--salt of the earth The Salt of the Earth by Daniel Wolf is a historical novel set in the Duchy of Upper Lorraine in the year 1187. The title refers to the importance of salt as the key to freedom in the Middle Ages and Michel’s efforts to improve living conditions in Varennes. The novel shows the challenges and the struggle of the individual against unjust rule, and the importance of freedom and self-determination. Helga Kleisny, Frankfurt, Germany From: Mary Treder (mct919 hotmail.com) Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--salt of the earth This reminded me of my visit last year to the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow in southern Poland. The mine dates back to 1044 and is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. There are over 2,000 chambers with beautiful, amazing carvings done by the miners over the centuries; words can’t do it justice. Mary Treder, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico From: Mary Monroe (marmon801919 gmail.com) Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--writing on the wall The writing on the wall said, “Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting.” Truer words, in 2025, could not be said. Mary Monroe, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida  
Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--writing on the wall A few months ago, a clever graffitist with a meta sense of humour decorated Toronto with simple tags reading “Daniel 5:5” (the passage about the writing on the wall) with a halo over Daniel. This led to an inevitable discussion on Reddit and elsewhere as to whether this art brut was funny, prophetic, political, admonitory, a hate-motivated, threatening, anti-LGBTQ, insane, white supremacist, or just plain vandalism. Whoever the perpetrator, they spent an inordinate amount of time spreading the word. It showed up in hundreds, if not thousands, of locations all over the city. Peter Jennings, Stony Lake, Canada From: Steve Benko (stevebenko1 gmail.com) Subject: Hannah Senesh
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind. -Hannah Senesh, poet, playwright, and paratrooper (17 Jul 1921-1944) Hannah Senesh was a Palestinian Jew (Israel did not exist yet) who parachuted into Yugoslavia to join the anti-Hitler resistance. She was captured, tortured and killed by the Nazis. Here is part of one of her poems that was later set to music, performed by my daughter Julie: video (1 min.) Steve Benko, New York, New York From: Patrick Crowley (rpcrowley yahoo.com) Subject: Biblical idioms I really enjoyed this week’s biblical idioms. Brought me back to my freshman year at a small Catholic college and my two required semesters of Bible studies. The professor was a Vatican-trained biblical scholar who gave most of us our first look at the Bible. In those days, Catholics were not encouraged to read it on their own lest they misinterpret God’s Word. Father Hogan presented it, especially the Old Testament, as texts not to be taken literally. Things like Jonah and the whale and the parting of the Red Sea were dismissed as “pious slush”, but with a message for the people. Salt of the earth, we learned, didn’t carry today’s meaning of a fine person. Instead, this was a reference to salt as a preservative, with salt of the earth meaning preserver of the faith. You’ve encouraged me to take out the Bible and do some re-reading. Patrick Crowley, North Easton, Massachusetts From: Dinny Biggs (dinnybiggs gmail.com) Subject: A.Word.A.Day I’m totally engaged by Wordsmith which I faithfully read each day. I flourish in the responses of others stimulated to share their examples and thoughts from the words introduced. I silently fly amongst you, grateful for your contributions that lighten my load and brighten my imagination. Thank you. Dinny Biggs, Peterborough, Canada 
Subject: Adam and Eve and writing on the wall Frida Kahlo and her husband, painter/muralist Diego Rivera, were vanguards of the Mexican Avant-Garde movement. For artistic inspiration, both relied upon the wealth of unearthed pre-Columbian artifacts from the indigenous Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, Zapotec and Olmec cultures, as well as their rich Mexican folkloric tradition. Curiously, one of Frida’s dying wishes was to have her ashes placed in a special frog-shaped ceramic funerary urn, to be housed in her beloved Casa Azul. Her wish was granted. Hmm... was this a not-so-subtle homage to her dear “little frog”, Diego? Froggy, what say you? 
Two of Trump’s promised 2024 election campaign targets were immigration and the escalating cost of living. Yet the writing was on the wall early in Trump’s second term, as lowering the cost of consumer goods was not happening. Trump’s tariffs have instead boosted prices. For other reasons, many restaurants have even started charging extra for any meal using eggs. Alex McCrae, Van Nuys, California Anagrams
Make your own anagrams and animations. Limericks Adam and Eve Dear Bindy and Marion and Steve, And also Ms. Joan, please believe That I’m grateful to you, And to you, Anu, too. You all are my Adam and Eve. -Rudy Landesman, New York, New York (ydur36 hotmail.com) “As America’s Adam and Eve, We need some kind of trick up our sleeve,” Said Martha to George, “Some great symbol to forge -- Visit Betsy! A flag she could weave!” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) “For limericks,” said Joan to Steve, “We’ll be AWADmail’s Adam and Eve. Though the news becomes bleak, We will not miss a week; That man Donald will get no reprieve.” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) mess of pottage The sad mess of pottage I got In my paycheck was doodly-squat! I need a good job Or I’ll have to go rob A bank (Dad’s a cop; maybe not!) -Bindy Bitterman, Chicago, Illinois (bindy eurekaevanston.com) Said Edison, “Powerful wattage Is what’s needed to brighten your cottage. See this light bulb? It glows! But you’ll pay through the nose; I will sell it for no mess of pottage.” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) salt of the earth Mr. Pickwick, of generous girth, Was merry and brimming with mirth. It might seem redundant, But the facts are abundant, That he was the salt of the earth. -Rudy Landesman, New York, New York (ydur36 hotmail.com) I feel lucky that ever since birth, I was raised by the salt of the earth. They shared what they knew, Which shaped my world view And my humor, for what it is worth. -Marion Wolf, Bergenfield, New Jersey (marionewolf yahoo.com) “Your child’s the salt of the earth,” Said three magi attending the birth. “Not exactly,” said Mary, “His nature’s more airy, But thanks; what’s this frankincense worth?” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) writing on the wall Cassandra was told, “You appall. Your warnings are scaring us all. King Priam is sure That Troy is secure. Stop writing that stuff on the wall!” -Rudy Landesman, New York, New York (ydur36 hotmail.com) I never liked Donald at all. The writing I saw on the wall. Just as expected Since he’s been elected, His actions in office appall. -Marion Wolf, Bergenfield, New Jersey (marionewolf yahoo.com) The writing is now on the wall; We’re all doomed, but hey, let’s have a ball! We’ll burn oil and coal Till we heat the North Pole To where Santa wears nothing at all! -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) feet of clay Donald Trump, as we all know today, Has no honor. He has feet of clay. Do we know to what end He once did befriend Jeffrey Epstein? For business? For play? -Rudy Landesman, New York, New York (ydur36 hotmail.com) Some have idolized Trump, you could say, By ignoring the man’s feet of clay. But there now is a first -- MAGA’s bubble has burst With no updates on Epstein today! -Marion Wolf, Bergenfield, New Jersey (marionewolf yahoo.com) Achilles would battle with zeal. A hero, he was the ideal. But he happened, they say, To have feet of clay. That expression fits well with his heel. -Joan Perrin, Port Jefferson Station, New York (perrinjoan aol.com) “Though I kissed Vlad’s rear end every day, It turns out that he has feet of clay,” Donald whimpered. “I’m blue That our bromance is through; To Zelenskyy’s behind I’ll now stray.” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) Puns “We’ll split the adam and eve-lop a bomb to end the war,” Oppenheimer told his team. -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) Sandler’s new comedy was about his obsession with the musical Evita. He dubbed it “Adam and Eve-a Peron”. -Joan Perrin, Port Jefferson Station, New York (perrinjoan aol.com) “Though that’s an awfully big mess of pottage-riatric perpetrator like you probably won’t get jail time,” the public defender advised the elderly weed dealer. -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) “The as-salt of the earth-ling invaders will be repelled!” promised the Martian warrior chief. -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) “I don’ want no white bread,” said the Jamaican to the baker. “I’ll take dat sourdough writing on de wall behind you.” -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) The writing on the wall-et said “genuine leather”. -Joan Perrin, Port Jefferson Station , New York (perrinjoan aol.com) “With a good two feet of clay at Tara for growin’ cotton, I’ll never be hungry again!” proclaimed Scarlett. -Steve Benko, New York, New York (stevebenko1 gmail.com) “Now I’m the greatest!” boasted Joe Frazier, after the de-feet of Clay. -Joan Perrin, Port Jefferson Station, New York (perrinjoan aol.com) A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. -Edmund Hillary, mountaineer
and explorer (20 Jul 1919-2008)
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