Martha, Be careful about claims like this. I used google for origins "rule of thumb." See http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000512.html This explains how the term may have been interpreted with the offensive meaning. This reference is much more definitive. http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-rul1.htm It notes that the expression was atttested in 1692 with the meaning we use it today. It also suggests how your correspondent may have come up with the offensive meaning. The net is a marvelous place. Bob Yates Central Missouri State University > > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/