Ever felt like a diligent shepherd on the hunt for every last sheep, but your flock consists entirely of humans? Then you’re familiar with the idiom “to count noses!” 🐑👃 While this isn’t an invitation to stare at everyone’s nasal passages, it’s a quirky way to tally up people present in a group.
Origin
The nose-counting technique may originate from horse dealers, who would count their animals by the nose. Perhaps that’s because it’s easier to see if everyone is “nosepresent!” Cattle dealers, on the other hand, are more headstrong and prefer counting by the “head.”
Historical Reference
The seventeenth-century moral philosopher Earl of Shaftesbury quipped, “Some modern zealots appear to have no better knowledge of truth, nor better manner of judging it, than by counting noses."
Similar Terms and Expressions
- “Headcount” – Another popular phrase meaning to count people.
- “Take attendance” – Often heard in schools or meetings. And no, we’re not talking about taking something other than their name!
- “Roll call” – A method to keep track of those present by calling out names.
Proverbs and Quotes
- “It’s not about quantity but quality,” implying that counting numbers might not always provide value in certain scenarios.
Recommended Reads and Media
- Book: “The Lords of Discipline” by Pat Conroy – Enjoy this intense tale where counting team members means everything.
- Movie: “Dead Poets Society” (1989) – An inspiring take on nurturing each individual’s unique voice.
- Song: “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic – Look beyond numbers into endless possibilities.
Quiz Yourself
Farewell thought: Sometimes in life, we may be urged to “count noses” or tally up attendance. But remember, life isn’t just a numbers game. Treasure each individual’s unique contributions and stories—they’re worth more than a thousand counts. Until next time, keep sniffing out the extraordinary!
Assistant on nostological matters,
Lola Linguista
