ex: what is the origin of the term "barn-burner" in context of an exciting dynamic via sporting event or other adventure?
Following a scolding for being the userslave who does not even know how to ask a question, the Googlon turned to the contrarian who asked,
What is the origin of the term barn burner (to you) ?
AI Overview
The term "barn burner" originated in the mid-19th century, referring to a radical faction of the New York State Democratic Party known as the Barnburners. This faction was given the name because it was humorously said they were willing to burn down a barn to get rid of rats infesting it. The term then evolved to describe any exciting or intense event, particularly in sports.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Political Roots:
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You know I wasn't going to let that "like the Dutch farmer in the folk tale" pass by. Best I can find are one about some farmer whose wife didn't get better despite him properly employing rat traps to secure his game, and another one about some farm running away with the spoon, if I understood it right.
wiki:The term barnburner was derived from a folktale about a Dutch farmer who burned down his own barn in order to get rid of a rat infestation.[3]
their evidence: 3. McPherson, James (February 25, 1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195038637.
Some rabbit holes are worth exiting.
Governors Island, NYC 26 September 2009
02-29-1996 San Francisco, CA Paradise Lounge
Following a scolding for being the userslave who does not even know how to ask a question, the Googlon turned to the contrarian who asked,
What is the origin of the term barn burner (to you) ?
AI Overview
The term "barn burner" originated in the mid-19th century, referring to a radical faction of the New York State Democratic Party known as the Barnburners. This faction was given the name because it was humorously said they were willing to burn down a barn to get rid of rats infesting it. The term then evolved to describe any exciting or intense event, particularly in sports.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Political Roots:
- In the 1840s, the New York Democratic Party split into two factions: the Barnburners and the Hunkers.
- The Barnburners were the more progressive, anti-slavery wing, willing to take drastic measures to achieve their goals.
- The name "Barnburners" was a derogatory term, implying they were so radical they would destroy everything, like the Dutch farmer in the folk tale.
- The Barnburners eventually left the Democratic Party in 1848 to form the Free Soil Party.
- The association of the Barnburners with drastic, exciting actions led to the term "barn burner" being used more broadly.
- By the 1930s, it was being used to describe any exciting and intense event, especially in sports.
- A "barn burner" now signifies a game, contest, or event that is exceptionally thrilling, dramatic, and engaging.
- The term is commonly used in sports commentary to describe a closely contested, high-energy game.
- It can also be used to describe other exciting and intense situations outside of sports, like a heated debate or a lively concert.
===
You know I wasn't going to let that "like the Dutch farmer in the folk tale" pass by. Best I can find are one about some farmer whose wife didn't get better despite him properly employing rat traps to secure his game, and another one about some farm running away with the spoon, if I understood it right.
wiki:The term barnburner was derived from a folktale about a Dutch farmer who burned down his own barn in order to get rid of a rat infestation.[3]
their evidence: 3. McPherson, James (February 25, 1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195038637.
Some rabbit holes are worth exiting.
Governors Island, NYC 26 September 2009
02-29-1996 San Francisco, CA Paradise Lounge