What is the origin of the phrase “I threw him for a loop”? The syntax doesn’t even seem to make sense.
The Word Detective on being knocked for a loop.
Partridge says it originally come from aerial acrobatics and seems to think the term originates from calf roping, influenced by the phrase “thrown for a loss.”
So the Word Detective says
Let’s look at the actual 1923 quote–from Lighter, Fighting blood <You’re always predicting I’m going to get knocked for a loop.>
The earliest versions of this, in print all say knocked for a loop, not thrown for a loop
Lighter cites no printed usage of thrown for a loop until 1965!
loop and looped originally had to do with being drunk(from the 1920’s). This may or may not have any bearing on the derivation.
I will be interested if anyone can give British cites of the term as thrown for a loop in the 20’s.