Why do you "shell out" cash?

Factual Questions
1

Just wondering…

M

2

Coulds’t thou be perchance a bit more specific? I’m not sure what you’re asking with the “shell out” term.

  • Why/when do you use cash instead of credit?

  • Do you give folks money when they ask for it?

  • Do you keep your money in a mollusk covering?

3

I think the question is (I Am Sam hat: On) What does that mean? (I Am Sam hat/off). Why would you say “shoe out” or “pizza out?” Why “shell” out?

4

Ahh, good question. Was more wondering about the expression itself. Why we use the term “shell out” when it kind of makes no literal sense, like most figures of speech I suppose.

Etymology is the word I’m looking for I think.

Cheers

M

5

Why wouldn’t. D’oh!

6

I googled “shell out etymology” and got this page.

7

Didn’t this term arise out of the term ‘clams’ for dollars? I seem to recall enough old movies that had the term “couple of clams” for a few bucks.

-Tcat

8

guessing here but the obvious link is to be to oyster fishing. Shells hopefully give out their pearls thus making you richer. Shelling out seems to be a natural phrasal verb from this