"blown To Smithereens". What Is The Origin, Anyone Know?, Thanks.

[Davypops]

Enter Further Question Details Here...

[eanceoil]

smíodar is small pieces, I suppose it was anglised and called smither, ín pronounced een or íni is tiny so I can only suppose a person or thing was blown to small pieces

[alavahalf]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blown-to-smithereens.html

[chanel5]

In Irish Gaelic (the form I learned at school, anyway) the word "Smiodar" (pronounced "smither") means"small part". Also in Irish Gaelic, the suffix "in" (pronounced "een") means "little". So smiodarins (pronounced "smithereens") are little small parts.

[Davypops]

Ah - thanks you. Never thought it would have Gaelic origins as most sayings are naval or some connection.