On 19 Sep 2002, Annette Taylor, Ph. D. wrote: > Can someone please enlighten me (and maybe others too shy to come > right out and show their lack of erudition) about the exact meaning of > 'unmitigated gall'. Of course I can intelligently guess, but.... > Glad to oblige. Originally the expression was "Unmitigated Gaul" but over time the spelling changed. Gaul was the name for France in Roman times. The ruler Mitigate the second was able to liberate part of the country from the Roman yoke; this was called "Mitigated Gaul". The other part, which was, of course, "Unmitigated Gaul" had very troublesome inhabitants who caused the Romans endless grief. Hence the expression.
You're welcome. -Stephen ______________________________________________________________ Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470 Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661 Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lennoxville, QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at http://www.frostburg.edu/dept/psyc/southerly/tips _________________________________________________________ --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
