Martha,

I agree with Bob, Bill and Paul.  I too consulted the OED.  The entry for
"thumb" indicates its use as a measure, particularly by tailors.  My OED
indicates an 1806 reference to the disallowing of its use.  It seems to me
that, even if it were true that references to wife abuse used the word
"thumb," this would be no worse than using the term "inch".  My guess is
that the phrase has its origins more in the use of the thumb as a measure
("rule" as yardstick) rather than as a law, common or otherwise.  I like the
phrase and will continue to use it.  Your situation reminds me of the day I
was attacked in the staff-room for using the word "stopcock".

Len Wyatt
Port Coquitlam, BC

-----Original Message-----
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Martha Kolln
Sent: August 25, 2004 5:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Rule of Thumb


A reader of "Understanding English Grammar'" has asked Bob Funk, my
co-author, and me to delete all references to "rules of thumb" in our
book.  It came as a surprise to both of us that the term was
offensive.  It turns out, however, that the so-called rule has its
origin in the size of the stick that a husband could use when he beat
his wife!  I'm not sure how long ago that rule applied in  its
original state; and I'm also not convinced that anyone using the term
makes that connection.  I do see the term frequently in books like
ours.

I'd appreciate any opinions as to the merits of this objection.

Martha

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