Spick and Span.

[Bbbananas]

A man that I adore (he knows who he is.....) has used used the above expression. Poor man's in a panic cos he's had a few days alone & no doubt his casa is a tip.
Can anyone tell us where that originated?

[B00]

I imagine the "casa in a tip" originated from sqad.

[joggerjayne]

Spick and Span ...

"Spick" because most cleaning staff were South American latinos, or ... "Spicks"

"Span" because "Spick" is a term of endearment which "spans" the geographical and cultural divide between the United States, and their much loved South American immigrant population.

=0)

Okay ... I made that up.

[dothawkes31]

tut jj you can tell you made that up!

It's an old joinery term that describes the use of evenly spaced galvanised headless nails that are shiny and new.

[joggerjayne]

This is like Call My Bluff !

[Bbbananas]

I was initially impressed by your explanation JJ - then sniffed something suspicious!!

Thanks Dot - you didn't make that up did you?!!
Boo - of course !

[joggerjayne]

If you spread out your hand as wide as you can, that is called a "span"

A "spick" was a type of cleaning cloth, like a thin sponge.

To get a kitchen surface really clean, you would take the "spick" and wipe it over the surface using your "span"

Hence ... "spick and span"

[RATTER15]

JJ!! we are not believing you!!

[Bbbananas]

Now, that is more convincing. Can't help you've got into the game now though....!

[joggerjayne]

http://www.bestweekev...9/spic%20n%20span.JPG

[dothawkes31]

ahhh so in 1500 when they said something was spick and span they were using Jay Cloths? cool lol

[joggerjayne]

The "spick" is the rope at the front of a boat, used to secure it on a mooring.

The "span" is the rope at the back.

If both ropes are not secured, the boat will drift about, untidily.

To secure a boat neatly, you must secure both the Spick, and the Span.

Hence, the nautical term, spick and span ...

... derived from the expression ... "secure the Spick and Span".

[Bobbisox]

My Dear Salla, me, being of very high interlect can tell you the origin of what you ask.

The phrase is derived from two archaic words: spick, which was a spike or nail and span, which meant "wood chip." When a ship was polished and new, it was called "spick and span," meaning every nail and piece of wood was untarnished. The phrase originally meant "brand new" but is now used to indicate cleanliness.

[Bbbananas]

Bobbi - To The Manor Born....
I knew you would know - you being such an intellectual posh lady.

Thank you all. However, I'm bored now - so no need for any more answers. ;-)

[Bobbisox]

I googled it
good innit?
pmsl