XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage
On Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:40:22 +0000, HenHanna wrote:
A Rolling Stone was originally the name of a gardening tool to flatten
the Lawn.
(unconfirmed) but it sounds Plausible!
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The proverb "A rolling stone gathers no moss" traditionally means:
Staying in one place and being stable is better than constantly moving
Settling down leads to accumulation of wealth, reputation, and stability
Constant movement prevents personal growth and establishment
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Modern/Alternative Interpretations
Positive Interpretation
Embrace change and adventure
Don't get stuck in one place
Remain flexible and adaptable
Continuously learn and explore
Modern Usage:
Today, people often interpret it more flexibly, sometimes seeing movement as a positive trait of curiosity and personal
development.
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-rolling-stone-gathers-no-moss.html
By the early 17th century, a ‘rolling stone’ was referred to as a type
of wastrel – one who would amount to nothing.
In [A dictionarie of the French and English tongues], 1611, Randle
Cotgrave listed the French word ‘rodeur’ and gave it this definition in English:
Rodeur: A vagabond, roamer, wanderer, street-walker,
highway-beater; a rolling stone, one that does nought
but runne here and there, trot up and downe, rogue all
the
country over.
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The French word "rodeurs" comes from the verb "roder," which means "to
prowl" or "to roam." The term typically refers to someone who lurks or
hangs around, often with a sense of being secretive or stealthy.
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In the context of the 1500s to 1600s, the term "highway" in
"highway-beater" referred to a main road or public way. During that
time, "highway" was commonly used to denote a route for travelers, often associated with trade and transportation.
The term "beater" could imply someone who frequented or traveled these
roads, possibly in a manner considered unruly or disruptive. Thus, "highway-beater" might have described a person, such as a vagabond or
rogue, who moved along these highways with a sense of lawlessness or
disregard for social norms.
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