The phrase "Pip your tongue!" immediately causes negative, unkind sensations in the soul. Despite the fact that the word "pip" is out of use, it becomes clear that they wished for something bad and hostile. So what is a pip and why is it sent to the tongue?
Instructions
Step 1
If you cook chicken for dinner at home, look at its tongue. At its tip, you can see a small tubercle - this is the very pip. This growth, which is a cartilage, is present in many birds, it helps them to peck at grains and other food. In some diseases similar in symptoms to diphtheria, the pip is inflamed, swollen and grows. This is due to the formation of compacted diphtheria films on its surface, which do not dissolve, interfere with the absorption of food and, as a result, starvation and even death of the bird.
Step 2
In relation to a person, the word "pip" began to be used around the 16th century. If in birds this was the name for the growth necessary for eating, then in humans they began to call it a pimple / sore / sore on the tongue (due to the external resemblance to a tubercle in birds). Most often, it is a hard blister with a liquid inside that hurts and causes discomfort.
Step 3
In the superstitious Middle Ages, the pip was considered a sign of deceit. According to one version, it was believed that if a person had to lie or offend someone with slander, a pip would immediately pop out on his tongue. Another version is that "pip" in this saying does not mean the sore itself, but is used as a metaphor. The fact is that several centuries ago in Russia for liars, traitors, spies, etc. there was a special type of execution - molten metal was poured into their mouth. And "pip" can mean something sick, unpleasant, hot and distressing when it gets into the mouth / tongue.
Step 4
Rumor has it that around the 17th century there were even cases of trials of such "pips", and their slander was considered magic spells, with the help of which a person tried to send damage to another. However, no written evidence of such trials was found. Such rumors and superstitions gave rise to the phrase "Pip on your tongue!"
Step 5
Now the phrase "Pip your tongue!" means no longer a desire for unpleasant sensations and illness. In some dictionaries, this proverb is described as a swearing expression that is used in response to nonsense, empty delusional chatter. Over time, it has become an established phraseological unit with its own special meaning. Most often it is used as indignation with a tinge of annoyance or an ironic wish - "God forbid this to happen."
