Pulling Your Leg
Definition:
To tease or fool someone; to trick someone in a humorous manner.
Origins:
For a time, there was a misconception that this expression alluded to the gruesome practice of pulling on a hanged person’s legs to shorten their agony. However, contemporary understanding suggests it dates back to the late 19th century and involves tricking someone by causing them to trip.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “You can’t pull my leg,” — O. Henry, A Little Local Color, 1910.
- “When life gets tough, at least I’m not hanging, having my leg yanked. Thankful for small mercies.” — Quipster Q. Riddley
Related Terms & Similar Expressions:
- Taking someone for a ride: tricking or deceiving someone.
- Pulling someone’s chain: provocatively teasing someone.
- Leading someone up the garden path: deceiving in a charming way.
- Playing a prank: executing a trick causing laughter, errors, or embarrassment but intended for amusement.
Synonyms:
- Tease
- Mock
- Josh
- Kid
Antonyms:
- Sincere
- Genuine
- Earnest
Proverbs & References:
- “He who is not tricked once, will never learn.” — Ancient Proverb
- “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” — Roald Dahl.
Suggested Literature, Songs, and Movies:
- Book: Pranking goliath by Hyperious Trickster, an exploring tricks of larger-than-life historical characters.
- Movie: April Fool’s Day (1986) - an engaging take on humorous yet potentially terrifying pranks.
- Song: “Pull My Leg” by The Jesters, a light-hearted rock tune encapsulating friendly deceit.
### Which term means to deceive humorously?
- [x] Pulling your leg
- [ ] Rolling the dice
- [ ] Juggling truths
- [ ] Frantic fantastique
> **Explanation:** "Pulling your leg" is a humorous way to suggest teasing someone with calculated deception, unlike the exuberant options listed.
### When did "pulling your leg" cross the Atlantic according to O. Henry's use?
- [ ] 1600s
- [ ] 1700s
- [x] 1910
- [ ] 2000
> **Explanation:** O. Henry's story "A Little Local Color" features the term "pulling your leg" in the year 1910, showcasing its cultural crossover.
### True or False: "Pulling your leg" has origins in shortening the agony of hanged individuals.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While previously thought to reflect this grisly origin, it properly aligns with humorous deception from the late 19th century without such grim associations.
Embrace the art of good-natured trickery, for laughter is the perpetual sunshine of the soul. Farewell till we explore more linguistic charms!
— Lark H. Jesterton
