Bitting the Bullet?

Factual Questions
1

Where the heck did this saying come from?

I used it in one of my classes and the prof. decided to discuss where it came from, but we never got to a definite answer. Does anyone know where it actually originated?

–==the sax man==–

2

I’ve always thought it orginated during a wars in the last few centuries, when due to lack of easily available anaesthetic, soldiers receiving medical attention were given a bullet to bite on to stop them from screaming. The bit the bullet and just dealt with it.

I just did a little research. Turns out I was right. Two cites. I should hang out in GQ more.

3

Off to GQ.

4

how much credit is the assignment worth?

seriously though, here is your answer;

From http://members.aol.com/MorelandC/HaveOriginsData.htm#BiteTheBullet

Ps: I googled the term ‘Origin bite the bullet’ to find this.

[Quotations from copyrighted sources should be limited. I have deleted most of it. Follow the link to read the rest]

[Edited by bibliophage on 11-01-2001 at 11:42 PM]

5

Thanks y’all!

It’s not really an assignment, more of a general question (where I should have posted in the first place<argh!>)

The prof said that he thought it was from the Navy for some reason and that it originated from lashings somehow. I thoght that sounded assanine for several reasons. I didn’t even think of lead bullets and the civil war!

–==the sax man==–

6

Pez - that explanation you quoted was from the second site I linked. I’m quicker than you. Nyer Nyer Nyer :wink:

7

Actually I was getting ready to post it, pushed submit reply and the thread had been moved! I had to find it and repost!

Until next time Francesca.
signed,
Pezpunk “fastest poster in the south”