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Blackmail is an ugly word, Cynthia

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cynthia dyke | 18:58 Thu 22nd Nov 2001 | Phrases & Sayings
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What's the origin of the word blackmail?
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Dates to at least 1552. Comes from the Scottish borders. Mail was an ancient term for rent. It originally referred to protection money paid to local bandits.
20:07 Thu 22nd Nov 2001
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The phrase is said to have developed its more sinister use during the time of the Reivers - raiders on the English-Scottish borders (c1300-1600). Their violence also spawned the word bereave. Click here for an Answerbank feature on them article 2270 them etc etc
09:27 Tue 27th Nov 2001

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Blackmail is an ugly word, Cynthia

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