Delve into the origins, historical context, and contemporary usage of the phrase 'out of whole cloth,' a classic cliché signifying fabrication or falsehood.
The phrase “out of whole cloth” refers to a fabrication or an untruth. It signifies something entirely made up without any basis in reality.
The term “whole cloth” originated in the mid-fifteenth century, denoting a piece of cloth of full size, as opposed to one from which a portion had been cut. This term began to be used figuratively in various ways from the late sixteenth century. The specific cliché “out of whole cloth” emerged in the early 1800s. Lexicographer Charles Funk suggested that the phrase evolved from the practice of some tailors deceiving customers by using patched or pieced goods instead of a genuine full width of cloth. William Safire noted that by ironic transference, the fabrication of cloth was equated with the fabrication of a lie. An early printed appearance of the phrase can be found in Thomas Chandler Haliburton’s The Clockmaker (1840): “All that talk about her temper was made out of whole cloth. . . . What a fib!”
The phrase “out of whole cloth” carries connotations of deceit and invention. It implies that a statement or story is entirely fabricated, with no grounding in truth or reality. The phrase is often used to critique or question the veracity of a claim, suggesting that it is an elaborate construct rather than a factual account.
In contemporary culture, “out of whole cloth” is frequently employed in both literary and colloquial contexts to describe fabrications. It appears in journalistic critiques, political discourse, and everyday conversation. Its usage underscores skepticism about the authenticity of information, especially in an era characterized by misinformation and “fake news.”
In professional settings, “out of whole cloth” might be used to question the validity of a report or statement. Socially, it could describe a tall tale or exaggerated anecdote. In literary contexts, it often serves as a metaphor for creative storytelling or fictional narratives.
The phrase “out of whole cloth” remains relevant in today’s discourse, particularly in contexts where the authenticity of information is questioned. Its durability is considerable, as it continues to be a useful tool for critiquing fabrications and falsehoods.
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“All that talk about her temper was made out of whole cloth. . . . What a fib!” - Thomas Chandler Haliburton, The Clockmaker (1840)