There, there.

Factual Questions
1

You know what I mean. That’s the cliche thing to say to someone when they’re upset. “There there”

  1. When’d this get started.
  2. Is it just a thing they do in books?
  3. What did it start as?
  4. Do you ever say it?

I sold my soul to Satan for a dollar. I got it in the mail.

2

Probably the morning after you start saying “here, here” as a repetitive toast to your drinking buddies.

3

As for books it’s in Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit”